Algoma Bear is through the Pamama Canal headed for Canada
Algoma Bear (IMO 9619309), a self-unloading vessel built in 2024 in China and the newest and most updated vessel in the Algoma Central Corporation’s fleet, transited the Panama Canal on April 15. The ship is on its delivery trip from China, where it departed February 18, 2024. It made one brief stop in Batangus, Philippines, before crossing the Pacific Ocean. The ship arrived at Balboa, Panama, the Pacific Anchorage of the Panama Canal, on April 11 to await transit through the Panama Canal.
Algoma Bear is registered in Tuvalu with Funafuti as its temporary port of registration. Once the vessel arrives in Canada, sometime in either April or May, the ship will be registered Canadian and receive a Canadian crew.
The Algoma Bear replaces the Algoma Transport, which was built in 1979 at the Port Weller Drydocks. After a long career, the Algoma Transport was officially retired in January 2024 following the ending of the 2023-24 shipping season. She was officially decommissioned on January 8, 2024 and is currently waiting to be scrapped at the IMS scrapyard in Port Colborne.
Algoma Bear is the 11th Equinox-Class vessel in the Algoma Central Corporation fleet.
Denny Dushane
Tug John Purves returns home
After spending the winter at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, the Tug John Purves is back in its rightful spot behind the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. The former World War I and World War II vessel made its trip across the bay on Monday morning, with other tugboats acting as an escort.
Door County Maritime Museum Executive Director Kevin Osgood said earlier this month that while some repairs were related to being tied up next to a barrier all year long, others could be attributed to its time sailing in saltwater missions during World War I and World War II. Deputy Director Sam Perlman says it was a great experience seeing the tug come through the Michigan Street Bridge, but there is still some work to do before May 1st due to all the work that was done.
Door Country Daily News
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Fednav adds three new vessels to its Laker fleet
Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added three new vessels to fleet as part of its fleet renewal program. Joining Fednav in late 2023 was the Federal Hamilton IMO 9975363. This ship is199.98 meters in length and 23.760 meters in width. It was built in Japan at the Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. It has four deck cranes on its deck among one of the differences when compared to its previous Fednav fleetmates built in Japan at Oshima. which have three deck cranes. Another more noticeable difference with the Federal Hamilton is its extra very large smokestack.
In addition to the Federal Hamilton, two more vessels of the same class have been added, Thunder Bay IMO 9975375 built in 2023 yet delivered to Fednav in 2024 and the Federal Indiana IMO 9975387 built in 2024.
Each of these new vessels are 199.98 meters in length and 23.760 meters in width with each one having four deck cranes and the extra very large and noticeable smokestack as well. The new ships are also all registered in the Marshall Islands with Majuro as their official port of registration.
So far, neither the Federal Thunder Bay nor the Federal Indiana have yet to make any to any Great Lakes/Seaway ports. However, the Federal Indiana is expected to arrive in Trois Rivieres, Quebec, for the first time on May 29, 2024.
This will be the first time that Fednav Ltd. has named one of their vessels in honor of the ports of Hamilton and Thunder Bay as well as for the state of Indiana, all allof which see many of the Fednav Ltd. vessels during the course of the shipping season.
Five more vessels from Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan are expected to join Fednav sometime during the 2024 shipping season, with two more expected to join the fleet in 2025, along with one additional vessel added sometime during the 2026 shipping season for a total of 11.
These new vessels are to represent the most efficient vessels to date for the Fednav Ltd. fleet of vessels.
Denny Dushane
National Museum of Great Lakes celebrating 10th anniversary
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is gearing up to celebrate a decade of enriching the Toledo community with its immersive exhibits and educational programs.
On April 10, Toledo City Council recognized the museum’s milestone of becoming a beacon for maritime history enthusiasts and a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
Initially founded in 1944 by a group of passionate maritime enthusiasts in Cleveland, the Great Lakes Historical Society has remained steadfast in its mission to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Great Lakes region. This commitment continued when the National Museum of the Great Lakes moved to Toledo in 2014, situated along the banks of the Maumee River.
Over the past 10 years, the museum has engaged visitors with its diverse array of exhibits, featuring visual, audiovisual, and hands-on experiences spanning centuries of Great Lakes history. From the era of fur trading to the challenges of the underground railroad and the exploits of rum runners, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the pivotal moments that have shaped the Great Lakes into the vital resource it is today.
One of the highlights of the museum’s collection is the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Lakes.” This iconic vessel, measuring over 617 feet in length and 64 feet in width, served as a coal hauler for over seven decades, traversing the Great Lakes and leaving an indelible mark on maritime history.
Additionally, the Tug Ohio, donated by the Great Lakes Towing Company, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipping.
NMGL Executive Director Kate Fineske reflected on the museum’s role within the community. “For the past decade, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has been more than just a repository of history – it’s been a gathering place, a source of pride, and a catalyst for discussions around our natural resources. Our goal is to make Toledo the epicenter of Great Lakes conversations, where stories are shared, connections are forged, and the spirit of the region thrives,” she said.
Echoing Fineske’s sentiments, Sam Melden, Toledo City Councilman, underscored the significance of having NMGL within Toledo’s borders. “The presence of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo has been instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for our region’s maritime heritage. Not only does it serve as a vital educational resource, but it also enhances Toledo’s identity as the premier destination for all things Great Lakes.”
The NMGL is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo. For more information, call 419-214-5000 or visit nmgl.org.
Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics
Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes on the Great Lakes. Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal. The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II. The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.
Responsibilities:
- Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
- Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
- Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
- Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
- This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.
Qualifications/Certifications Required:
- Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
- TWIC Card
- Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
- DOT Drug Screen
- Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.
The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.
Applicants please apply thru website: www.ssbadger.com
