Algocape (2)/2002



Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- Algocape

By George Wharton

Originally launched as the Richelieu(3) for Canada Steamship Lines on Nov.25, 1966; this vessel was built by Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon, PQ. At the time, the Richelieu was designated as the flagship of the CSL fleet sailing for the first time April 4, 1967 from Quebec City to Pointe Noire, PQ in ballast to load ore for Hamilton, ON. This standard Seaway-sized bulk carrier is powered by a Sulzer 6RD76 6-cylinder 9,470 installed horsepower diesel engine. She is equipped with a bow thruster. With 17 hatches feeding 6 compartments, this straight-decker can carry 26,100 tons at maximum Seaway draft of 26 feet and is capable of carrying 29,950 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 29 feet 1/2 inch.

The Richelieu was the last straight-decker built for the CSL fleet that has yet to be converted to a self-unloader. Under the CSL flag, her cargoes consisted mostly of grain and ore. In 1992, the Richelieu carried an unusual deck load of steel vats from Thunder Bay, ON to Matane, PQ. The Richelieu only made one trip in 1993. She was towed as a barge from Thunder Bay to Windsor, ON with a load of canola.

In 1994, the Richelieu joined the Algoma Central Marine fleet being renamed Algocape(2). This name has been associated with the Algoma fleet since 1987. The 714 foot 11 inch steam turbine powered Algocape(1) was launched in 1960 as the Carol Lake, sailing for Carryore Ltd. until being purchased in 1987 by Algoma. P & H Shipping acquired the Algocape(1) in 1994 renaming the vessel Mapleglen(2). The Mapleglen continues to sail as part of the P & H fleet. The "Algocape" name comes from her owner's name "Algo" (Algoma) and "cape" possibly from Cape Gargantua (located on Lake Superior's east shore).

The Algocape(2) currently sails under the management of Seaway Marine Transport, St. Catherines, ON (partnership of Algoma Central and Upper Lakes Group). Her cargoes continue to consist primarily of grain products and ore; though, she has been noted to have carried bulk cement and coke. Typically, the Algocape would load grain products in Thunder Bay, ON for Baie Comeau, PQ; then in ballast to Sept Isles, PQ to load ore for Hamilton, ON; then in ballast back to Thunder Bay. The ports may vary slightly but the load pattern remains basically the same.

Overall dimensions

Length: 729'09"

Beam: 75'04"

Depth: 39'08"

Capacity (tons): 29,950