Algoport/2002



Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- Algoport

By George Wharton

Launched May 7, 1979 as the Algoport for Algoma Central Corp., Sault Ste. Marie, ON; this medium sized self-unloader was built by Collingwood Shipyards, Collingwood, ON at a reported cost of $30 million. She is powered by twin 5350 horsepower Crossley Pielstick model 10PC 2V MK3 V-10 cylinder diesel engines giving her a rated service speed of 12 knots. The Algoport is equipped with a 1000 horsepower bow thruster. She was also built with an ice strengthened hull and an ice breaking bulbous bow for coastal and winter operations. Her 19 hatches feed into 4 holds where she can carry 22700 tons at maximum Seaway draft of 26 feet and is capable of carrying 32000 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 33 feet 6 inches. Her self-unloading equipment consists of a three belt gravity system with a loop belt elevator feeding into a 261 foot discharge boom that can be swung 90 degrees to port or starboard. This is a special slow moving system designed for the carriage of gypsum ore. The designed discharge rate is up to 3810 tons per hour.

The Algoport currently sails under the management of Seaway Self Unloaders (partnership of Algoma Central and Upper Lakes Group). Though she can be seen carrying various bulk cargo on the Great Lakes, the Algoport is often used to carry gypsum ore, coal, salt, and stone on various East Coast routes. She, as with all her S.S.U. fleetmates, is equipped with a DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) precision navigation system.

The Algoport's capabilities and flexibility should secure for her a long, productive, and profitable future of trading on the Great Lakes, along the St. Lawrence River, and on the East Coast.

Overall dimensions

Length: 658'00"

Beam: 75'10"

Depth: 46'06"

Capacity (tons): 32,000