Algoma Equinox

Algoma Equinox is a lake freighter and lead ship of her class built for Algoma Central, a Canadian shipping company. The vessel was built to a new design by Nantong Mingde Heavy Industries at their shipyard in Tongzhou, China in 2013. The ship entered service in December 2013, operating in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Algoma Equinox in the Burlington Canal in 2019
History
NameAlgoma Equinox
OwnerAlgoma Central
BuilderNantong Mingde Heavy Industries, Tongzhou, China
Yard numberMD149
Laid down21 April 2012
Launched24 December 2012
Completed25 September 2013
In serviceDecember 2013
IdentificationIMO number: 9613927
StatusIn active service
General characteristics
Class and typeEquinox-class freighter
Tonnage
Length225.6 m (740 ft 2 in) oa
Beam23.8 m (78 ft 1 in)

Design and description

Algoma Equinox was constructed to a new design of lake freighters that operate on the Great Lakes by the design firm Delta Marine.[1] Algoma Central asserted that new design and new technology would make the new vessels 45 percent more energy efficient than their earlier vessels. Algoma Equinox is a "gearless bulker" meaning she has to use shore facilities to load and unload.[2] Two of the new gearless vessels will be owned by the Canadian Wheat Board, but operated by Algoma Central, on the Board's behalf.[3]

Algoma Equinox is 225.6 m (740 ft 2 in) long overall with a beam of 23.8 m (78 ft 1 in). The vessel has a gross tonnage (GT) of 23,895 and a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 39,400.[4] Each crew member has an individual cabin, with an en-suite washroom, broadband internet, and satellite TV connections.[5] The vessel can operate with a minimum of 18 crew.[6]

Service history

The vessel was ordered as part of Algoma Central's plan to renew their Great Lakes shipping fleet.[3] The ship's keel was laid down on 21 April 2012 by Nantong Mingde Heavy Industries at their shipyard in Tongzhou, China. Algoma Equinox was launched on 24 December later that year and completed on 25 September 2013.[2][4] The ship then crossed the Pacific Ocean and passed through the Panama Canal arriving at Port-Cartier, Quebec, in September 2013.[1] The vessel made its maiden voyage through the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway in December 2013.[7] Algoma Equinox primarily transports iron ore and grain in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway.[1]

Captain Ross Armstrong of Algoma Equinox received the Top Hat as the first ship through the Welland Canal for 2014 at the Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 in St. Catharines, Ontario, on 28 March 2014. Due to ice conditions on Lake Erie, she was unable to complete the journey into the lake that day.[8] Algoma Equinox was featured on Season 8 Episode 4 of the Discovery Channel's program Mighty Ships.[9]

References
  1. Ilika, Dan (20 January 2014). "Canada's greenest bulk freighter ready to cruise the Great Lakes". canadianmanufacturing.com. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  2. Nguyen, Betty (25 December 2012). "Algoma: First Equinox Class Vessel Launched (Canada)". World Maritime News. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2016. This Equinox Class series will include eight vessels consisting of four gearless bulk carriers (requiring shore-side equipment for cargo discharge) and four self-unloading bulk carriers. Algoma will own six of the series, consisting of two gearless bulkers and four self-unloading vessels.
  3. "Algoma Invests in Great Lakes Shipping". Marine Link. 23 March 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2013. Equinox Class ships are the next generation of bulk carriers on the Great Lakes. They will be able to carry significantly more cargo and move faster than conventional vessels. Newer engine technology will result in reduced fuel consumption, which means lower fuel costs and lower emissions.
  4. "Algoma Equinox (9613927)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  5. "Tour the Equinox Class". Algoma Central. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Individual cabins include modular washroom facilities for ease of use and cleaning plus each cabin is fitted with broadband internet and satellite TV.
  6. Worsham, Taylor (22 September 2020). "The Algoma Equinox". The Sault News. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  7. Fraser, Don (6 December 2013). "Algoma's $400M Equinox investment starts sailing". St. Catharines Standard. Archived from the original on 19 December 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  8. Glynn, Matt (28 March 2014). "Lingering lake ice hinders Welland Canal traffic". Buffalo News. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  9. "Anchors Aweigh! Discovery's Canadian-Produced Mega Hit MIGHTY SHIPS Sets Sail for Season 8, July 19" (Press release). Bell Media. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
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