Algonorth (1)/2002



Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- Algonorth

By Todd Davidson

Algoma Central Marines' Algonorth was constructed in Scotland, 1971, as the Temple Bar. She was built exclusively for the saltwater trade and was soon lengthened in 1977 202' in Singapore and renamed the Lake Nipigon. This reconstruction committed her fully to the Great Lakes/Seaway trade. She sailed for the Nipigon Transportation Company for 10 years, undergoing another name change to Laketon in 1984. She again sailed as the Lake Nipigon for the second time in 1986, before finally being sold to Algoma in 1987. She was renamed as the Algonorth.

The Algonorth's twin diesel engines produce 12,000 horsepower, making her the most powerful straight deck bulk carrier on the Lakes, with only the thousand footers' capable of more power. Her dimensions are: 729'09"x75'02"x42'11" and she has a mid-summer capacity of 28,000 tons and 24,600 tons at seaway draft. The Algonorth is active in the downbound grain trade, usually loaded in Thunder Bay, and generally returns upbound with a load of ore for the southern Lake Michigan steel mills.

The Algonorth is now participating in a groundbreaking project to test potential new technology in controlling the spread of unwanted organisms in the Great Lakes. The experiment is utilizing a filtration system when using ballast water. This "pump-filter" is housed on her deck, (amid ship-port side) and is about the size of a small container box. This equipment was installed in late 1996 and full testing began in the spring of 1997. This project is being carried out by the Lake Carriers' Association and The Northeast Midwest Institute, costing over 1.3 million dollars. Now there are over 14 more participants in the test, ranging from the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards to the University of Michigan.

The Algonorth was determined to be "perfect" for the experiment because of the wide variety of marine environments she encounters, as she frequently discharges her grain loads in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Although it is early in the testing, the project is already yielding benefits. Both biological and mechanical tests will be performed, and the system installed on the Algonorth is temporary. So thanks to the generosity of Algoma, their vessel will be contributing to the future welfare of the Great Lakes.

Overall dimensions

Length: 729'09"

Beam: 75'02"

Depth: 42'11"

Capacity (tons): 28,000