Algosea (2)/2002



Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- Algosea (2)

By George Wharton

The keel for this lake-ocean self-unloading bulk carrier was laid March 5, 1982 at Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catherines, ON. She was christened June 11, 1983 as the Canadian Ambassador for the Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd., St. Catherines, ON. The Canadian Ambassador holds the distinction of being the last self-unloader built at Port Weller Dry Docks from the keel up. She is powered by a single slow speed 4 cylinder Sulzer diesel rated at 8796 bhp driving a controllable pitch propeller giving her a service speed of 14.5 knots. Other equipment includes a controllable pitch bow thruster, bulbous bow, and a swimming pool for her crew.

The Canadian Ambassador's maiden voyage was from St. Catherines, ON upbound light to Conneaut, OH on July 4, 1983 to load coal for Nanticoke, ON. She has also carried grain, gypsum, ore, and stone. A notable cargo carried in 1985 was a load of stone to Sweden unloading into the caisson leg of a deep sea platform. In 1986, the Canadian Ambassador was re-flagged and registered in the Republic of Vanuatu (South Pacific) when she was renamed Ambassador sailing for Marbulk (an Upper Lakes Group subsidiary at the time) under the management of Barber Ship Management Ltd. She traded principally internationally on the East Coast of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

January 2000 saw the CSL Group buy ULS's 50% ownership in Marbulk. Algoma Central retains ownership of the other 50% which was acquired from ULS in 1998. In April 2000, Algoma Central entered into a long term charter for the Ambassador having her registered and re-flagged Canadian in Halifax, NS renaming her the Algosea(2). The Algosea's principle trade route is now between Contrecouer and Port Cartier, QC (along the St. Lawrence Seaway). Her namesake Algosea(1) is still owned by Algoma Central sailing as the Sauniere under long term charter to SOQUIEM.

Overall dimensions

Length: 730'00"

Beam: 75'10"

Depth: 50'00"

Capacity (tons): 37,800