Algoma Equinox
2013-Present
Specs
Build Information
Year Built: 2013
Builder: Nantong Mingde Heavy Industry, Nantong City, China
Hull #MD-149-GB-01
Registry: CAN 837491
IMO # 9613927
Laid Down: April 21, 2012
Launch Date: December 24, 2012
Commissioned: December 3, 2013
Construction
The Algoma Equinox was constructed by Nantong Mingde Heavy Industry as a gearless bulk carrier as part of Algoma Central Corporation’s fleet renewal program. The Algoma Equinox is the lead ship of her class. The Equinox class ships are significantly more efficient than their fleetmates, and are equipped with exhaust scrubber systems that remove 97% of sulfur oxide emissions.
General Stats
Length Overall: 740′
Length Between Perpendiculars: 728’06”
Breadth: 78′
Depth: 48’03”
Loaded Draft: 33′
Capacity: 39,064 Tons
Vessel Type: Gearless Bulk Carrier
Number of Cargo Holds: 5 [Hatch-Hold Arrangement: 3-4-3-4-3]
Number of Hatches: 17 [Dimensions: 51’11”x 22’4”]
Primary Operations: Ore, Grain Trades
Propellers: 1 Controllable Pitch Propeller
Rudders: 1
Engineering Equipment
Original
Engine
Engine Type: Diesel Engine
Engine Manufacturer: Wartsila, Helsinki, Finland
Engine Model: 5RT-fled50-D
Number of Engines: 1
Rated HP: 11,863 BHP
History
Lineage
Algoma Equinox – 2014-Present
Owner: Algoma Central Corp., St. Catharines, ON
Operator: Algoma Central Corp.
Flag: Canadian
Home Port: St. Catharines, ON
Her Story
The Algoma Equinox was the first ship constructed for Algoma Central’s Equinox class fleet renewal program. The Equinox was constructed in China, being launched on December 24, 2012, and sailing for North America on October 1, 2013. She arrived at the St. Lawrence Seaway on December 3, 2013. She ran a few loads at the end of the 2013 season before laying up for the winter. During the winter, her extra deck strengthening for her ocean crossing was removed.
The Algoma Equinox was plagued with engine issues during the 2019 season and suffered a complete failure in June.
The Algoma Equinox is an active carrier in the ore and grain trades.
Compiled By Brendan Falkowski
Updated on April 2, 2020
Gallery
Algoma Equinox on the St. Marys River, May 17, 2014. Photo by Roger LeLievre 
Algoma Equinox entering the Detroit River, May 18, 2014. Photo by Isaac Pennock 
Algoma Equinox on the St. Marys River. Photo by Roger LeLievre 
Algoma Equinox loading grain at Thunder Bay, Ontario, July 8, 2014. Photo by Roger LeLievre 
Algoma Equinox on the St. Marys River, July 10, 2014. Photo by Roger LeLievre 
Algoma Equinox on the St. Clair River. Photo by Daniel Lindner 
Algoma Equinox on the Welland Canal, June 29, 2017. Photo by Isaac Pennock Algoma Equinox on the St. Marys River, July 8, 2017. Photo by Roger LeLievre 
Algoma Equinox at Port Huron, Michigan, March 28, 2019. Photo by Roger LeLievre
Sources
“Algoma Equinox”. Algoma Central Corporation. N.d. Accessed 2 April, 2020. <https://www.algonet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ALGOMA-EQUINOX-20170501.pdf>
“Details for registered vessel ALGOMA EQUINOX (O.N. 837491)”. Transport Canada. 1 July, 2018. <https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/4/vrqs-srib/eng/vessel-registrations/details/837491>
Gillham, Skip. “Algoma Equinox”. Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping Online. N.d. Accessed 2 April 2020. <http://boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/AlgomaEquinox.htm>
Greenwood’s Guide to Great Lakes Shipping 2016, Harbor House Publishers, 2016. Pp. 3.1.
LeLievre, Roger. Know Your Ships: 2015. Marine Publishing, 2015. Pp. 22-27.
Shipwatcher News Great Lakes Ships 