Radcliffe R. Latimer

[Denny]

An update to my post here. I see now on Marine Traffic, that the Latimer finally made it to Veracruz, Mexico arriving there this afternoon on January 28. I assume they are now at the shipyard there and drydocked for their refit then?

[Denny]

Did the Latimer ever arrive then at the shipyard in Veracruz? Their AIS lists January 19 at 1700 yet whenever I check the map out on Marine Traffic, it shows them being out quite a ways from Veracruz. Are they at anchor then perhaps possibly and waiting for some reasons to arrive and enter the drydock at Veracruz? Any further info that anyone has on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Denny]

Agree with both Guest and Syd BC on your comments as far as the Latimer and what you had to say. In regards to the Seaway Opening, indeed last year both the Seaway and the Welland opened early. While the Seaway and the Soo always sets the Opening Dates every year, this year I would not hold my breath too much on any Opening Dates just yet! While the Seaway, Welland and Soo will open in the Spring as they always do, with this crazy 🤪 winter we’re having surely it’s bound to create a very challenging Spring Fit Out for these ships then! No doubt the breakers will have their hands full and be very busy trying to clear all the ice out unless of course we really warm up and then things begin to start thawing out! Just my opinions.

[guest]

Time and money are the big issue. Perhaps other shipyards weren't available. I'm sure algoma wants the work done as quickly as possible so the Latimer can be ready to trade in April. The bottom line is the bottom line. Especially in a public traded company such as algoma. Probably in 2 months the seaway will reopen. Last year it was March 22nd

[Syd BC]

Money Have a friend that worked for a company Had 5 ships running on the west coast When their time came they sent them all to China for refit I asked What about shipyards here She said it was millions of dollars cheaper per ship to do the work over there I would imagine Mexico is cheaper than U S or Canada

[Denny]

Thanks for all of the great news, updates and information on the Latimer and the Mariner Algowest. Very good and interesting information that you provided here about the two ships that a few of us here may not have known then about. Thanks for sharing that! I do recall back when the Latimer was the Algobay, it was classed “Caribbean and the Algoport was also!” I wasn’t sure if that classification still was for those two ships or not? You learn something new every day as they say. Thanks again for sharing that. Stay Safe, Be Safe & Warm Algowest my friend and have yourself A Good & Safe Winter to you as well.

[algowest]

Denny-
Heard the Latimer is headed to shipyard in Veracruz for drydocking/survey work.
Assuming this will include hull painting.
Both Latimer and Algoma Mariner get more trips in saltwater/Gulf St. Lawrence trades and have additional trade classifications allowing them to do Gulf/U.S. East & Gulf trips as needed.

[Guest]

They don't do 5 year surveys in Canadian shipyards?

[Denny]

Why then couldn’t she get her 5 year drydocking and also a repaint done here instead of sailing clear to Mexico to have it done? No available shipyards here in Canada or the US capable of that type of work? Couldn’t she have had this done at Port Weller, Erie or Sturgeon Bay? I don’t know if Fraser in Superior is capable of all that type of work however I would’ve thought the other yards that I listed could do it unless they are already booked up for the winter with other drydockings and projects. Just my curiosity is all with this and my questions and nothing else further than that. Thanks in advance for any information.

[Denny]

What type of refit are we talking about here? She just had a new forebody attached to her in China back in 2008 or in 2009 then. Is her cargo hold and new forebody then that wore out already? Heck it’s only been what 17 or 16 years give or take that she had the original forebody then replaced in China. I wouldn’t think it would be that bad already then? Although she does spend a considerable amount of time hauling stuff from Canada’s East Coast ports and aren’t those on saltwater trades and runs too?

[Guest]

She's going to be drydocking for her 5 year inspection including a paint job.

[GreatLaker]

Shipyard for a refit.

[mrclyde]

I see on the AIS that Radcliffe R. Latimer is heading to Veracruz, MX Hutchinson Ports Shipyard. Is she going to layup or to the scrapyard?

TIA