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The Gemini is powered by twin Alco model 16V251E four stroke cycle, single acting, 2,610 b.h.p. (1,920 kW) V-16 diesel engines built in 1978 by Alco Engine Div., White Industrial Power Inc., Auburn, NY. These engines burn marine diesel oil with the power being fed to twin fixed pitch propellers giving the vessel a rated speed of 14.4 m.p.h. The tanker is capable of carrying 75,298 barrels (11,972 cubic meters) of product or 12,500 tons (12,701 mt) at her mid-summer draft of 23′ 00″ (7.023m). The cargo is contained in 12 epoxy phenolic coated cargo tanks (6 starboard & 6 port); all tanks being coiled and capable of maintaining a temperature of up to 175 F (79.72 C). Cargoes could include gasolines, heavy fuel oil, diesel/distillates, or petrochemicals. Because of her tank coating and construction, the vessel may also carry calcium chloride, caustic soda, or nitrogen fertilizers. The tanker also carries 344 tons (349.68 mt) of diesel oil and displaces 2,849 tons (2,895 mt) lightship. During the Gemini’s first winter of operations on the Great Lakes, she became trapped in ice on January 8, 1979 on Saginaw Bay; being freed with the able assistance of the United States Coast Guard. Later, in May of 1989; the Gemini allided with the N&W rail bridge over the Maumee River in Toledo, OH damaging her number’s 1 and 2 starboard ballast tanks. In late 1991; the Gemini along with her fleet mate Saturn and barge Phoenix were acquired by a new enterprise Cleveland Tankers (1991) Inc., Cleveland, OH. This new company was 75% owned by U.S. citizens who were partners in the bulk shipping consulting firm Jones, Bardelmeier & Co. Ltd. of Nassau, Bahamas; and 25% owned by Algoma Central. The Gemini was then operated by Cleveland Tankers Ship Management Inc. under a long term time charter to Algoma Tankers (US) Inc., Cleveland, OH and managed by Algoma Tankers Ltd., St. Catharines, ON. The Gemini was struck March 3, 1994 by a massive ice flow while moored and unloading at Detroit, MI. Bow damage (both port and starboard sides) to hull plating including some damage of internal structural nature resulted. Essential repairs were completed at Detroit before being permitted to proceed to Toledo for completion of the repair work. On December 7, 2000; the Gemini collided with a dock while entering the Buffalo River causing some damage to her port bow hull plating. The Gemini is also noted to have been the first ship of the season to visit Manistee, MI for 2 years in a row; on January 1, 2002 and January 3, 2003. On the latter visit, the Gemini loaded a cargo of 8,000 tons (8,128.5 mt) of brine for Amherstburg, ON. On Feb. 14, 2005, Algoma Central Corporation, through its subsidiary Algoma Tankers Ltd., bought the Gemini for $2.3 million (US). The tanker was subsequently transferred to the Canadian flag and renamed Algosar (2). With the sale of the Gemini came the end of the Cleveland Tankers fleet, which was founded in 1933. Algosar didn’t fit out until late in the 2015 season, when she made several runs from Sarnia, ON, to Sault Ste. Marie, ON. She spent winter 2016 on the drydock at Port Weller, ON, to have contaminates removed, then was towed up the Welland Canal on May 17, 2016 by the tug Jerry G to International Marine Salvage at Port Colborne, ON, for scrapping. Enroute she passed her former fleetmate Peter R. Cresswell, which was heading the other way to Montreal and eventual scrapping overseas. Written by George Wharton. |
| Ship Particulars | |
| Length | 434′ 06″ (132.44m) |
| Beam | 65′ 00″ (19.81m) |
| Depth | 29′ 04″ (8.94m) |
| Midsummer Draft | 23′ 00″ (7.0m) |
| Capacity | 12,500 tons |
| Engine Power | 5,220 bhp diesel |
| Previous Names | |
| Gemini | 1978 – 2005 |
| Algosar (2) | 2005 – 2016 |