Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Just noticed now on Marine Traffic that the John D. Leitch departed from their long Winter lay up in Owen Sound, Ontario today August 31 and are now headed to Superior next to load I would assume? At any rate, great to see her back out and in action again and hope to see and catch her this fall season sometime on the St. Clair River! This now leaves just the Algoma Compass as the only remaining Algoma vessel for now anyway at least that is still laid up. The Compass is laid up in Sarnia where she’s been for a while now however, she did sail briefly this year but it was only from wherever it was she was laid up at this past Winter to Sarnia and continued lay up. We will have to wait and see though if she returns to service at some point this year which hopefully she will.

Thanks Jim and appreciate that my friend. Hope to see her out and sailing and maybe catch her along the river in St. Clair this year. I also wonder IF this could be her last season? The new Algoma Endeavour is being built yet over in Croatia and there’s been a few talks of them replacing the Leitch? We’ll have to wait and see then on that one. Also saw a post from someone here saying “The Leitch is also due for their 5-6 year inspection this winter as well!” So like that person said, we’ll see where she lays up at this Winter? Thanks again.

Denny, the Leitch is showing a 9/3 arrival in Duluth/Superior according to the Harbor Lookout site. If accurate, she should be up through the Soo Locks on Labor Day.

Any further updates or status on the Leitch or Compass as far them fitting out and sailing this season? It was said that crews were told to report to the Leitch a few weeks ago to begin fitting her out. So far, she and the Compass both remain laid up. Also, noticed on Marine Traffic it shows the Leitch cleared Montreal on July 4, 2024 and it arrived in Owen Sound on July 7, 2024. This cannot be the correct information as they are still in layup and have yet to sail this season from Owen Sound. Thanks in advance for any updates or information anyone may have.

The Compass got her five year done over the winter at Port Weller and lots of extra steel work. She should be around for six more years at least. The Leitch is due for her five year this winter, we will have to see where she lays up.

In response to my post. First, thanks to Guest for the bit of news and updates regarding the Leitch and the fact that her crew is heading back to her this weekend to get her ready for fit out! That’s certainly great news to hear then that she may be activated and returning to service then this season. With the Leitch returning, I wonder then in time if the Compass may also be back out and sailing before the end of the season? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. In response to Bob, Yes you are correct as Algoma has invested and put in a lot of work and money into the Compass and I agree as I too don’t think she’s finished just yet. I’m sure in time she will be back out and probably carrying lots of salt if and when demand and orders allow her to be back out again. Thanks for your comments also and Yes it does seem great to be back here posting again!

Crew heading back to the John D on Saturday for fitout

Denny, I don’t know if the algoma compass will be out sailing this year but I wouldn’t think that she’s done as they had put some money into her a few years back and I don’t think she’s in that bad of shape. Good to have you back posting again. Hope you are doing well.

Does anyone know if either of these two vessels will be out and sailing this season? The Algoma Compass I know did sail briefly but from wherever it was laid up at to now Sarnia and the North Slip to where it has been for quite a long time now. What about the John D. Leitch which is up in Owen Sound for lay up and has not sailed yet this year? Is both of these vessels finished and at the end of the line and their careers? I thought that I heard and read that the Leitch’s replacement was the Algoma Endurance which is still under construction in Croatia. Anyone with any type of information on this is appreciated. Thanks and also, I said Algoma Endurance but I think the correct name on her is the Algoma Endeavour if I’m correct on that?