Algoma Central Corporation welcomed its second Equinox Class bulk cargo vessel, the Algoma Harvester.
The company says Equinox Class represents the next generation of Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Waterway bulk cargo vessels. The ships have been designed to optimize fuel efficiency and operating performance thus minimizing environmental impact.
The company says a 45 per cent improvement in energy efficiency over their current fleet average is expected, resulting from the use of a modern Tier II compliant engine, increased cargo capacity, and an improved hull form.
In addition, a fully integrated IMO approved exhaust gas scrubber will remove 97 per cent of all sulphur oxides from shipboard emissions. Algoma is the first company to use an IMO approved integrated scrubber on a Great Lakes – St. Lawrence vessel class.
“We have been extremely pleased with the performance of the first Equinox Class vessel, the Algoma Equinox, since she joined the Algoma fleet last November,” said Greg Wight, President and CEO of Algoma. “We are also very pleased to host the Algoma Harvester christening in Hamilton today with our major customer, ArcelorMittal Dofasco. The Equinox Class bulkers have been designed to optimize performance in the movement of iron ore for companies like ArcelorMittal Dofasco and for the movement of grain products. We expect the ship to move 1 million tonnes per year of these commodities,” Mr. Wight continued.
“Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway marine transport is integral to our business and fleet renewal is critical for a sustainable supply chain,” said Jim Baske. “Sustainability is a core value for our company and a main area of focus. The range of environmental improvements that we see on this fleet aligns with our efforts to continuously improve our productivity, efficiency and environmental footprint. It‘s a win-win when one of our partners is able to achieve the kinds of improvements that Algoma has with this new fleet, effectively reducing the environmental impact of our supply chain, from raw material inputs to shipping of finished products.”