Algoma Buffalo and Compass Layup.

[Guest]

Everyone understands the purchase of the Buffalo to augment and replace the 650s nobody understands the Compass, the Lake,Aird, and Wood were such nicer ships guys were saying they didn't know who they P O"d to get stuck on the Compass.

[Guest]

Is it possible that the new Equinox boats have polymer lined holds like they put in Algosteel? Seems like that would make them more durable as a salt hauler than the old ASC boats.

I think the purpose of the polymer lining is to create a slippery surface that helps the cargo flow more easily.

[deckstir]

Is it possible that the new Equinox boats have polymer lined holds like they put in Algosteel? Seems like that would make them more durable as a salt hauler than the old ASC boats.

[Guest]

The newer hulls require less work at layup as compared to the older compass/buffalo. If you see them running older ships all winter usually means they are at the end of their careers, ex Algosteel, Algoway, John B Aird etc.
Expect the compass/buffalo to be around a while.

[Guest]

It’s all about the tonnage capacity more than likely. The new boats are longer and wider and therefore can take 30000 metric tonnes of salt to Lake Michigan ports and the Innovator probably 26000 metric where as the Buffalo might haul 21000 metric at the same draft. More cargo means more profit. Those boats are probably better in ice than the compass and buffalo.

[Guest]

I imagine it's all about the lowest operating cost. Just makes sense to not be running your least efficient ships when you don't need to.

[Denny]

Perhaps maybe another factor could be their ages? One might think that and consider both the Compass and Buffalo are well over 40 years of age and Algoma maybe trying to hold onto them as long as they can even though their careers are winding down. Whereas with the new built Equinoxes, they are all fairly new and will be around at least for a little while just so long as the salt trades and others don’t wear and tear on them too much though. Just my two cents and thoughts only here.

[Guest]

I can only guess, but seeing as the new ships generate higher revenue then either Algoma Buffalo or Algoma Compass but payments still have to be paid to the banks. And banks always require a minimum revenue target to be maintained.

When Algoma had their first generation of 650-foot and 730-foot self-unloaders they used them in the salt trade early in their careers.

[Wallacio]

Does anyone have any info on why Algoma is electing to use newer builds and not the older Buffalo and Compass for the winter salt runs?