M/V Michipicoten

[Guest]

The ryerson still has balance sheet value.as far as value to sail again? Very unlikely.

[Geest]

This thread has gotten off topic with Ryerson talk. As it appears, the Michipicoten will be repaired and sail again unless the insurers from LLT and Rand say no.

If Rand/LLT wanted to repower the Valor/Valo they probably would have pursued it already. Its not a seaway vessel but would be more than capable for their regular trades to allow other fleet vessels to take over the long haul or seaway trade routes.

All this repeated talk about the Ryerson is tiresome and redundant. Sure we all want to see it sail again but realities of vessel operations say different. I know Key Lakes kicked the tires a few years back for ore trades to Hamilton with her since thats the SOLE REMANING ore dock with gantries that can unload her, but even then it was not a viable option. Steam plants and steam engineers are retiring or going deep sea where the few remaining plants are operating and not to the lakes. Ryerson is done in commercial trades. Nobody can afford her anymore.

[guest]

I'm inclined to a agree eventually her next move will be at the end of a towline to MRC in port colborne. Their "inventory" must be getting low. Either the ELR or the blough. A few years ago Jerry in Duluth said shed b out in April. Only trouble he didn't say what year!

[guest]

And you base this assumption on what hard evidence?

It’s speculation. I wouldn’t take it personally

[Guest]

Fast Eddie won’t be going anywhere except eventually on a tow line to a scrappers torch. Sad but true.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

[Guest]

The harsh reality of economics and changing times in Great Lakes shipping.

[Rob]

And you base this assumption on what hard evidence?

[Guest]

Fast Eddie won’t be going anywhere except eventually on a tow line to a scrappers torch. Sad but true.

[Guest]

Seems that this would be a perfect contract fit for McKeil’s fleet. The Blair was just refitted with deck cranes and I believe the Kathy will be similarly fitted. Plus they have the Evans. Briquette loads could make sense. Appears that Bravener’s really eating into his old company already. Just an observation.

[Guest]

When the ELR unloaded in Lorain weren't they there for 2 or 3 days unloading? Better off using 2 or 3 barges and a tug. Leave the unmanned barge at the steel and the tug push/pull the empty barge to be loaded. At dofasco in Hamilton if it takes too long to unload a straight decker the steel mill pays a penalty to the shipping co. With 2 bridge cranes they usually are very quick and efficient.













elr

Your idea about the barges sounds similar to a proposal considered by the Wilson Transit Company during the late 1960s/early 1970s that called for the conversion of several of its older vessels to barges. I believe the primary focus of this was to be Cleveland.

[Mn bob]

If they can use a straight decker to haul the dri briquettes maybe there’s hope for the ryerson to make that run. Didn’t think they had shore side unloading equipment at algoma at the soo to unload straight deckers though.

[guest]

When the ELR unloaded in Lorain weren't they there for 2 or 3 days unloading? Better off using 2 or 3 barges and a tug. Leave the unmanned barge at the steel and the tug push/pull the empty barge to be loaded. At dofasco in Hamilton if it takes too long to unload a straight decker the steel mill pays a penalty to the shipping co. With 2 bridge cranes they usually are very quick and efficient.













elr

[Guest]

No matter who is carrying cargo to algoma steel that will come to an end when the new eaf come on stream. Never saw a self unloader discharge scrap yet.

I believe that the EAF at Algoma Steel will use DRI briquettes in addition to scrap metal. A straight-decker should be able to carry DRI briquettes.

[guest]

No matter who is carrying cargo to algoma steel that will come to an end when the new eaf come on stream. Never saw a self unloader discharge scrap yet.

[Denny]

Interesting that Algoma Innovator is running one! So, why am I surprised at that you say and ask me folks? Simple, because if anyone recalls and remembers IT was Algoma at first that held the contracts with Algoma Steel for many years and seasons before Lower Lakes and Grand River got it from Algoma. What company boats do you see often going to and from Algoma Steel these days? I see mostly Lower Lakes and Grand River boats and hardly ever see any Algoma ships at Algoma Steel like I used to years ago. Just my thoughts only.

[Guest]

It looks like Algoma Innovator is running one currently

[Guest]

It looks like the Saginaw has been running them

[Scott]

Has anyone noticed if another ship has picked up the trips once run by the Michipicoten? Maybe it's too early for that?

[Guest]

When will inspections be completed?

[Guest]

Don't think you can swap engines. Pretty sure you'd need to meet the latest air pollution standards. An engine and gear set would be a long lead item - maybe a year. And they are very expensive.

Are these vessels classed ABS or some other Classification Society? Will both the USCG and Transport Canada sent their inspectors too?