The Great Lakes welcome first newly built cement carrier in two decades
The Tamarack, an innovative eco-friendly cement carrier, arrived at the Port of Montreal on August 22nd, completing its maiden transatlantic voyage and creating a new milestone for sustainable shipping. Owned by Eureka Shipping, a joint venture of SMT Shipping and the CSL Group, the 122.9-metre (404-foot) vessel is the first newly built cement carrier to serve the Great Lakes in some 20 years.
Delivered to Holland Shipyard in the Netherlands in late July, the vessel named after a tree species native to Canada made a brief stop at the Port of Montreal before loading its first cement cargo at Port Cartier on August 28th.
Managed by CSL’s Canadian division, Canada Steamship Lines, the 12,500 DWT mechanical/pneumatic vessel replaces two older ships with a high-performance design that maintains cargo capacity while reducing environmental impact.
Purpose-built for Great Lakes service, the Tamarack features a 10,700 cubic metres (approximately 377,700 cubic feet) cement cargo hold, diesel-electric propulsion, and advanced manoeuvrability systems. It can operate on HVO biofuel, is compatible with shore power, and features sound insulation to minimize underwater noise. Its energy-efficient cargo systems improve efficiency while reducing emissions.
Photo credit: Vincent Tremblay, August 22, 2025. Courtesy of CSL.