The Algoma Harvester arrives in the Great Lakes

Algoma Central Corporation christened its second Equinox Class bulk cargo vessel, the Algoma Harvester earlier today. The christening took place in Hamilton Harbour.

The Equinox Class represents the next generation of Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Waterway bulk cargo vessels. The ships have been designed to optimize fuel efficiency and operating performance thus minimizing environmental impact. A 45% improvement in energy efficiency over Algoma’s current fleet average is expected, resulting from the use of a modern Tier II compliant engine, increased cargo capacity, and an improved hull form. In addition, a fully integrated IMO approved exhaust gas scrubber will remove 97% of all sulphur oxides from shipboard emissions. Algoma is the first company to use an IMO-approved integrated scrubber on a Great Lakes – St. Lawrence vessel class.

The Algoma Harvester picked up its first load of cargo at Port Cartier, Quebec on July 11th, following a 54 day voyage across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal to get to Canada. The first cargo of iron ore, which has set a new record size, was delivered to ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton immediately following the ceremony. The Algoma Harvester will serve primarily agricultural and iron and steel industry customers and is expected to make approximately 10 grain and iron ore trips on the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Waterway over the balance of 2014.

The Algoma Harvester joins its sister ship, the Algoma Equinox, as part of Algoma’s 32-vessel Canadian flagged Great Lakes fleet. The Algoma Equinox joined the fleet last November.