Algoma Bear arrives at Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The Algoma Bear (IMO 9619309), built in 2024 in China and the newest and most efficient, modern vessel in the Algoma fleet, arrived at Hamilton on May 8 in the early morning.

The vessel moored at Pier 26 N – GLS but will shift over to another dock in Hamilton to unload a cargo of iron ore pellets loaded at Port Cartier, QC. While in Hamilton, she will have the deck-strengthening steel added for its delivery voyage from China removed from alongside of its cargo deck.

Denny Dushane

Fednav renames former Lakes Visitor Federal Rideau

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has renamed its Federal Rideau (IMO 9200445), built in 2000 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Ltd. Shipyard, Oshima, Japan. Now sailing as Kiba, she flies the Barbados flag, According to Marine Traffic, she is still owned by Fednav. As Federal Rideau, the ship was a regular visitor on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway between 2000-2003.

Denny Dushane

Museum Ship Keewatin set to open at Kingston.

KINGSTON, ON – Keewatin, built in 1907 in Scotland and which sailed the Great Lakes for Canadian Pacific Railway, is the largest of the remaining Edwardian era passenger steamers remaining in the world,

Please see the graphic in the photo gallery.

Program explores history of Ford Motor Co.
ships Henry Ford II and Benson Ford.

As has been the case for two decades, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Grosse Pointe Historical Society will again co-sponsor a free presentation during National Preservation Month. This year’s program takes place at the Ford House Visitors Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate the centennial of the Great Lakes ships, MS Henry Ford II and MS Benson Ford.

These ships were launched in March 1924, and were the first large vessels on the Great Lakes to be powered by diesel engines. While built at different shipyards, they were nearly identical and were the most modern on the Great Lakes at the time, with guest accommodations containing inlaid mahogany doors and paneling, wall sconces and chandeliers. The Benson and the Henry remained in service nearly 60 years, becoming a familiar sight along the Grosse Pointe shoreline.

Former Grosse Pointer Greg Rudnick, who served on both ships during college while completing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Detroit, will present. Rudnick is on the staff at the Great Lakes Maritime Institute’s Telescope magazine and on the board of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. His reports also appear in the Inland Seas Journal and on boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/.

Visit fordhouse.org/events/ to register for this presentation, which is free and open to the public.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/—