Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Lake Erie. It appears on the vessel passage page, Welland Canal.

Off Long Point, headed for the canal.

does anyone know where the algosteel is right now?

In a post on the Algoma Spirit thread, there is mention of the Algocape laying up in Toronto with a load of sugar.

Will the Algocape lay-up with her in Montreal?

This is no rumour. The Algosteel will pass through the Welland this weekend. I can't say for sure this is it's final trip, but it will lay-up in Montreal.

[quote="Guest"] This makes it even more amazing that boats like the Maumee and Challenger are still operating![/quote]

In regards to the Maumee - When she was under the USS colors (as the Calcite II), there was a Lot of maintenance work done every winter. Not just on the Duece, but all of their self unloaders. USS' "Winter Work" at the port of Calcite was like a small shipyard, and it employed the same men who sailed her during the summer. Engines were rebuilt, bulkheads and tank-tops were replaced, and even hull work not requiring a dry dock was done.

The Great thing was that during the winter, all "rank" disappeared. Depending on a person's skills and classifcation, a lowly deckhand could be telling a 3rd Mate what to do during the Winter Work season.

Algosteel will layup in Montreal.

[quote="Guest"]This makes it even more amazing that boats like the Maumee and Challenger are still operating![/quote]

In the Challenger's case, a lot has to do more with not hauling salt than anything else.

The Algosteel is upbound in the Detroit River. Anybody know when she will lay-up?

What of the Algocape? I've heard conflicting reports that her short stay in Port Weller this year was just to make repairs to finish the season and then be retired, while others have said she still has a few more years left. I was going to inquire about her layup port this winter, but I suppose it really depends on her status by season's end.

The 'steel just follows the Canyon in that they've basically finished their lifespan. The 'rail and the 'way will eventually follow suit. Lots of salt hauled in these vessels and it's what's inside that counts. What we don't know is, is that possibly long term they may not have the contracts to service these vessels and won't need the excess tonnage. And if they were to have the contracts, would it be cost effective to put steel work into these vessels. IMO the answer's no. The rate of return after the refit wouldn't literally pay. I hate to hear the news, but job well done to these workhorses. This makes it even more amazing that boats like the Maumee and Challenger are still operating!

What about the Algoway and Algorail? It was to my understanding that they would be the next to retire.

[quote="Jon363"]Why would Algoma waste money sending her to Turkey when they could send her to IMS with the leader?[/quote]

It's not Algoma's money, they simply sell the ship to the highest bidder. The cost of the the overseas tow comes out of the scrapper's pocket, but that cost is typically offset by the cheaper labor costs and less stringent environmental regulations overseas. It also depends on where the demand is for the scrap steel. For example, steel from IMS typically ends up at the mills in Hamilton, steel from the ships Purvis cuts up at the Soo goes to Algoma. If the mills don't have the need for it, they're not going to pay top dollar for scrap, and that will be reflected in the bids the scrappers submit for the available ships. A lot of the steel from the ships cut up in Alang, India in the last few years ended up in China, but apparently that demand has slowed, and now there's a good market for scrap steel in Turkey.

Ships are not scrapped or towed at cost to the ship owner. They are sold to a scrapping firm who must move them to their yard at cost to them. This is factored into their purchase price offer and profit equation.

Why would Algoma waste money sending her to Turkey when they could send her to IMS with the leader?

Two Goderich, Ontario to Johnstown, Ontario (Prescott) with salt.

[quote="TWilush"]For those in the know, does she have any trips scheduled for Hamilton or at least the Canal before season's end?[/quote]

She'll have to pass through the canal on her last trip if this is indeed her final few weeks of operation.

However, I can't help but wonder if this isn't more of the same rumours such as those that were supposedly confirmed last winter about the demise of the Atlantic Huron.

For those in the know, does she have any trips scheduled for Hamilton or at least the Canal before season's end?

The Port Huron vessel passage page made reference to the Algosteel being scrapped when it passed by this week. The info is still there if you scroll down the page. My understanding is the decision was made in September and it will be scrapped in Turkey.