Algoma Central Steamship Line

[Leo_Ames]

Unless I've missed some big news, Essar Steel Algoma is still very much a going concern.

[CNSF]

Algoma Central was at one time an integrated operation with its own mines, steel mill, steamship line and railway. I believe the mill at the centre of it all (in Sault Ste. Marie, ON) is now closed.

[Leo_Ames]

Not at one point, it exists to this day. It's the railroad that was disposed of back around the late 1990's to Wisconsin Central. If it wasn't obvious at that link, the shipping arm is still a going concern. They also operate a shipyard, operate a tanker fleet that's the largest on the lakes and St. Lawrence, and various other businesses. 

They're in the midst of a vessel renewal program at this time and should be here for years to come. Since January 2010, they've received five Seawaymax vessels as part of this program (1 self-unloading forebody replacement using the existing stern of a retired vessel, 1 completely new self-unloader,  and three new straight deckers). In addition, a 4th straight decker is fitting out and will be here later this year, three self-unloaders are at various stages of construction, and a 4th self-unloader is on order.

And orders for two river class self-unloaders (Smaller than Seawaymax to serve customers in the narrow confines of some rivers on the Lakes) that will forever silence the FM Opposed Piston engines in the Algoway and Algorail in a couple of years was recently placed with a shipyard in Croatia. 

Of possible interest to railfans around here, they were also the last Canadian operator of a steamship in regular service until the SS Montrealais docked in Montreal to end her final season of operation on January 6th, bringing a close to the era of Canadian commercial steamship operation. 

http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/montreal.htm

[CMStPnP]

I had no idea they had an affiilated steam ship line at one point.    I did not read if it was still affiliated with the railroad.

Here is the link:

http://www.algonet.com/