Algoma to take delivery of two new vessels in March
Two of Algoma Central Corp.’s newest vessels are making their maiden voyages as they head to Canada from China and Croatia.
Both vessels will enter into service for the 2018 shipping season, with one is coming loaded with cargo, Algoma.
The Algoma Sault — the second Seaway-max Equinox class self-unloading bulk carrier — left Yangzijiang Shipyard in China on Feb. 3 and will make its way across the Pacific Ocean, through the Panama Canal and Caribbean before heading up the east coast of the U.S. and Canada on the Atlantic Ocean.
“The addition … to our domestic fleet will further strengthen our position on the Great Lakes and we look forward to her arrival,” said Algoma president and CEO Ken Bloch Soerensen.
“With the addition of the new class-leading vessels to our domestic fleet, the 2018 navigation season is already turning out to be an exciting one.”
He said the Algoma Sault is the second Equinox class 740-foot self-unloader to be delivered and will join her sister ship, the Algoma Niagara, in operations this spring. It is expected to arrive by late March.
In addition to the two new 740foot self-unloaders, the Algoma Conveyer, which Algoma acquired in 2017 from the failed Nantong Mingde shipyard in China, is undergoing refurbishment and final construction at Yangzijiang Shipyard, and is expected to be completed and delivered in early 2019.
While the Algoma Sault makes her way from China, the Algoma Innovator left the 3 Maj shipyard in Croatia last week and is the first of two new Equinox class 650 foot self-unloading dry-bulk freighters to be delivered to the company. It should arrive in mid-March and will be carrying a cargo of bauxite.
It will be sixth Equinox class vessel added to the company’s domestic fleet along with the Algoma Sault, bringing the total number of vessels in the class to seven; comprising of four gearless bulkers and three self-unloaders. Five additional vessels are under development contracts, the company said.
“The Algoma Innovator will be a leader in the river-class segment and we look forward to being able to offer more flexibility to our customers,” said Soerensen.