Algoma Mariner’s Sunny Afternoon Trip to the Twin Ports, June 6 2021

Algoma Mariner was constructed by the Chengxi Shipyard in Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China as hull number CX0324, it was the second vessel constructed in Algoma Central Corporation’s bulk fleet renewal program (beginning in 2008 with the Algobay /Radcliffe R. Latimer forebody project) and the first all new Canadian laker to enter service since 1985.

Initially conceived as a forebody replacement for the 1978 built self-unloader Algoport along the same lines as the Algobay, the decision was made to construct an entirely new stern to attach to the completed forebody following the loss of the Algoport while under tow in the East China Sea on September 6, 2009. The new stern would prove to be of a similar design to that of the later Equinox Class new builds. The new vessel was originally intended to be operated by Seaway Marine Transport (a partnership between Algoma Central Marine and Upper Lakes Shipping) under the ownership of Upper Lakes Shipping as their Canadian Mariner (2). However, with the acquisition of the ULS fleet and their interest in SMT in February 2011 by Algoma Central, the name was changed again to Algoma Mariner. While she never sailed as Canadian Mariner, the name and ULS diamond stack logo were applied but went unpainted at the shipyard.

Built at a total cost of over $50 million, this modern, efficient vessel is constructed to Coastal Class specifications (allowing for operation on the Great Lakes and Eastern Seaboard). She measures 740' long by 77’ 11” and 49’ 03” deep. The self-unloader's 22 hatches feed into 6 holds where she can carry approximately 37,162 tons at the mid-summer draft of 35.9-feet. The vessel displaces 9,504 tons lightship. Her self-unloading equipment consists of a two-belt gravity fed system with a loop belt elevator that feeds a 262' stern mounted discharge boom that can be swung 95 degrees to port and starboard and unload at up to 5,440 tons per hour. Motive power is supplied by a single M.A.N 6L48/60CR 6-cylinder, slow speed diesel engine producing 9,792 BHP. Power is transmitted directly to a single controllable pitch propeller that can push her to a service speed of 14 knots. She is equipped with a bow thruster.

From Algoma Central’s 2011 Annual Report:

This new vessel is powered by a single slow speed engine which provides excellent fuel efficiency. This combined with the controllable pitch propeller and a modern advanced control system that interprets the power demand from the bridge and responds with the most efficient combination of engine speed and propeller pitch at any load, giving a significant improvement in performance compared to other vessels currently in our dry-bulk fleet. The engine room has been designed as an Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) which provides for remote and redundant alarm and monitoring systems. The electric power generation and distribution system also takes full advantage of electronic control and monitoring from the same platform as the propulsion control system. A power management system (PMS) monitors vessel power demand and ensures that sufficient generating capacity is available at all times. The PMS starts and stops generators automatically based on the power demand as well as having various operating modes to accommodate specific operating conditions such as unloading and transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway locks, ensuring sufficient capacity is available at all times.

The new vessel departed China on June 4, 2011 at 10:45 am local time on her delivery voyage to the Great Lakes. After stopping at Davao, Philippines for fuel on June 21 to sustain her during the Pacific crossing, she transited the Panama Canal on July 23rd. The vessel arrived at her first Canadian port of call, Port Cartier, QC, on August 2 where she took on her first payload of iron ore pellets for Arcelor-Mittal Dofasco’s Hamilton, ON mill. Arriving off the Burlington Piers on the evening of August 7, she proceeded to Dofasco pier 21 to unload prior to shifting to pier 22 for approximately 7 days of minor repairs and modifications including a change in her port of registry from Toronto (a ULS hold-over) to Port Colborne. Following this work, she proceeded on her first upbound trip in ballast for Superior, Wisconsin to load coal.

A formal christening ceremony was held on her next downbound transit at Port Colborne on August 25, 2011, where she was dedicated and her new port of registry was affirmed to be in recognition of Algoma Central’s long standing association with the community. Within a few hours she resumed her transit destined for Sydney Nova Scotia and the beginning of her career on the Great Lakes and Coastal areas.

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