Mariner Project

End of the maiden voyage and beginning of her career

2012-02-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

January 20th, 2012: Winter trading on the St. Lawrence.
Our ship and crew have come a long way. The ship has performed very well in this, her first season of life. She has been operating on the east coast of Canada and the great lakes, hauling various cargoes. In a week or two we will enter a short lay-up in Montreal that will better prepare us for what is to come, hopefully many more seasons of successful operation for her proud owners and her equally proud crew.
Thank you for the interest
"onwards we sail"

Entering Hamilton harbour to offload her first payload of iron ore and finalize her "Canadianization"

With our first payload, passing a well known landmark

Some of the engineering officers and the crew at the dedication ceremony in Port Colborne on August 25th

More of the officers and crew at the bunting controls

Dedication completed, a tour for the guests and then it is "business as usual" for Canada's newest.

Panama Canal Pictures

2011-07-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

We transited the Panama Canal on Saturday for the first time. The trip was just as planned; steady and uneventful; just the way us sailors like it!

For most on board it was our first experience through this waterway. We were lucky and sailed through during the day & stopped only for a few hours awaiting traffic at the Cucaracha tie up station. Once southbound traffic cleared, we were off across the Continental Divide onto Gatun Lake and through the last series of locks. Scenery was beautiful, we even saw an alligator or two. The mass construction project of the new Panama Canal was also well underway. I hope you enjoy a few pictures we took as we passed through...


Bridge of Americas, Pacific Entry to Panama Canal


Line Handlers and Bosun's Joining just under the bridge, all 17 line handlers and 2 Bosun's

Approaching the Miraflores Locks

Ok, are you ready, wait do we have enough men here??


Row boat to pull us through the locks...

Entering the first Northbound (Pacific-Atlantic) locks "Miraflores"

Rowboat chickened out!

Locomotives "Mules" that hook up with steel cables and hold us in position in the locks, 4 on each end with 2 per side

Good work if you can get it!

In Position Lock 1 Miraflores

Construction of the "New" canal

Pedro Miguel Locks

Getting ready to tie on the mules for the Pedro Miguel Locks

Just left the Pedro Miguel Locks

Centennial Bridge

Cucaracha Tie Up station awaiting traffic

Car Carrier that passed while we were waiting

Departing Cucaracha

Entrance to the last set of locks "Gatun"

And of course at the last locks "Gatun" it's canal weather... "RAIN"

Entering Gatun, mules holding us in place

Keeping attached as we go down

Panama Canal Tomorrow

2011-07-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning bright and early we transit the Panama Canal. We will pass underneath the Bridge of Americas as day breaks and be at the Miraflores locks shortly after. You can follow us on the webcams from The Panama Canal Website, first locks cam here :

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html?cam=MirafloresHi

Should be there around 7 am EDT.

Back in the Internet Zone....

2011-07-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

We exited the footprint for our Internet coverage a few days back and are sorry we could not keep you guys posted! Tonight is a milestone for the crew of the Algoma Mariner, it's our last night on the Pacific Ocean. We will anchor tomorrow afternoon on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. While there waiting our turn to transit, we will bunker and take on supplies to ready for the last leg of our journey, and that's to get this ship back to Canada.

Here is a few random pics we took along the way, stay tuned for some exciting pictures from the canal transit...


Last Sunset on the Pacific

Some random shots along the way from yard to sea..

I don't think he is impressed with the mess in his office!!


Hey wait for me!! The long walk to lunch...

Paperwork never hides from anyone...

A night out with our "Tour Guide" and the best damn steel inspector their ever was...

Stringing Pearls at the "Pearl Market" somebody is getting pearls...

I will leave this to your imagination...

That's one way to get ashore...

John Kerbrat, One of the Project Team Leaders

Markku, from Deltamarin Design team of Finland

The Happy Crew, Project Team, and Lloyds Surveyors

Sitting at Anchor in Daveo, waiting for our turn for bunkers

2nd Engineer Martin, with ship in the background

Street outside our hotel

Friggin' Paparazzi found the Captain again!!

OK that's gotta be photoshop!! Captain & C/E in coveralls together!!

A friendly "QC" guy from the yard

Only noticed the no pictures sign after....Oh well...

OK Bernie I counted to 10 and now I'm coming to find you...

Roland, holding her in place, don't let go now...

Leaving Chengxi

Rolling across the Pacific

July 11, And the sun returns!

2011-07-10T23:24:00.000-07:00


July 11, 2011 - 0600 UTC


A few pics of our Sperry Fully Integrated Bridge

July 7, 2011 Approaching Halfway mark across The Pacific

2011-07-06T22:33:00.000-07:00


Almost over the hump...

We are almost halfway across "Big Blue", just to the NE of the Johnston Atoll are the Hawaiian Islands, Just to the SE you will see Kiritimati (Christmas Island). Christmas Island is the largest Coral Atoll in the world, for us it signifies the halfway mark...

International Date Line

2011-07-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

Crossing the International Date Line

June 29th Update

2011-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Nice weather today, calm and 32 degrees C

View over the bow

Weather so far has been beautiful, most days calm seas and warm. We had one weather system pass through last night for about 6 hours, but she rode very nicely, and the rain just cleaned off the salt!

June 29th Position

June 27

2011-06-27T06:54:00.000-07:00


South of Guam

Headed onto "Big Blue"

2011-06-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Our Journey has begun...

Prior to departure in Davao

Souvenir from local painter...

June 21, 2011-Davao, Philippines: Anchored, waiting our turn to fuel for the long trip to Panama.

2011-06-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

Our "Mascot" watching over the ship

Waiting...

2011-06-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

10 hours until our maiden voyage, if she could talk she would be just as excited as the crew!

Soon gonna leave China!!

2011-06-01T07:56:00.000-07:00


Various Stages of Hull Painting, BTW took less than a full day!


Now how did I get here??


Captain and his Mates, taking a moment to enjoy the experience.

"V" is for Victory...

2nd Engineer Martin & Chief Mate John posing on the blocks

The video was too large to post, but funny...

2nd Officer defacing company property...


First Logbook Entry for the M/V Algoma Mariner

So far this has been an amazing experience for all involved, from the project team who designed and overseen every aspect of this vessel, to the crew who have been here working and inspecting along the way. Our time in China draws near, as we will be setting sail upon our maiden voyage in only days now. This past few days has been extremely busy for all involved, but was done with eager anticipation of our final goal. And that is to take delivery of this fine vessel and bring it home for our company and return to our families who wait for us in Canada. There were several amazing relationships forged along the way here from which I will cherish for life. Over the next couple months we will be organizing and molding this vessel to be the finest vessel on the Great Lakes and East Coast of Canada, Cheers to all that have followed and keep checking in as we will hope to keep you posted all along this amazing journey back home.

May 28, 2011 Shipyard Supper

2011-05-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

Algoma Mariner Crew

Chief Engineer Todd Walters, Captain Ken Mackenzie, Captain Sason, Chief Engineeer David Cooke

When East meets West!!

May 27, 2011 Last Day on the Dock

2011-05-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Black Gang

New Paint Job

Rudder Hard Over

Post Sea Trials and Drydocking

2011-05-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

Sea Trials Galley Staff

Entering the drydock on a blustery day

In position and ready to raise the dock

Nice lines!!

Preparing for painting

Soon to be "good by grey and hello blue"

Sea Trials

2011-05-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Sea Trials took place from May 13 - May 18. For those unfamiliar with the term, please follow the link below, you Navy guys out there refer to it as the "Shakedown Cruise"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_trial

Bulbous Bow

Departing Shipyard for Sea Trials

Adjusting Magnetic Compass after Departure

The Zig Zag test

I think Dolphins on sea trials is good luck ??
There were hundreds of them playing...

Just a few targets....

Sunset on the East China Sea

Shifted us again, preparing for sea trials very soon...

2011-05-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready to raise boom.

Engine Control Room

Barge transferring more modules around the yard

Engine Control Room 2

Lifeboat Launching

2011-05-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Dave getting ready for the free fall

Bernie raring to go!!

Did he Go ???

We had two brave souls who made the plunge!

Rescue Boat Launching

Heading back to the slip

The Inclining Experiment

2011-05-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an interesting day onboard the ship, yesterday The Inclining experiment was performed. It is one of those things few sailors get to participate in. the Inclining Experiment is performed to determine the vessel's lightweight and its centre of gravity. The stability information of the ship will based on the results of the test. On this occasion Captain, Chief Mate, & Chief Engineer were able to participate. It was a long process but very interesting to see.

John Going ashore to read the drafts prior to the experiment, long way down...

View from the work boat

Work Boat on the way to check the drafts...

One of the Pendulums for the Incline

Sounding the test tank for the Incline

Stern View

Superstructure of one of the Diamond 53 Class Ships being lifted to it's new home

Another Vessel being prepared for delivery

Nighttime on the Yangtze as Chief Mate returns with the final draft readings

May 1st, 2011, A holiday in the yard makes for better, unclutttered pictures

2011-05-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

Main Deck looking from the Panama Extension. About 80-90 feet above the water at this draught. Not for the faint of heart!!

Poop Deck and E R access hatch from the Pananma Extension

Stack from the Panama Extension.

Galley, looking toward the built in fridges

Galley, looking toward the serving area

Inside the cool room looking at the two freezers' entrances

Dry Stores

Mess Room appliances

Crew's Mess

Officer's Mess

Mate's Office Area

Moved to the other side of yard today, preparing for the inclining experiment

2011-04-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

A familiar face comes for a visit

Moved to other side of the yard, about 2 kms from the office

If Big Dan says it's lunch time, than it's lunch time...

Riverboat Fantasy !!

73000 DWT Vessel that was launched last week, getting the finishing touches.

Nameplate Arrives

Diamond 53 class vessels, superstructures being built here, while hulls built on another slip, Approximately 30 days from laying the keel to full assembly, 4 months delivery time.

I think he likes it!

BBQ Night

Our Waitress

Peter's Wife Sousu

Auguste Rodin's The Thinker....

2011-04-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

The Thinker...

The Philospher

C/E Dave, Capt Mackenzie, C/E Todd, & Chief Mate John

Captain inspecting the wipers

Dave on the Panama Wing

John on the Bridge Wing

John on top of the Hatch Crane

Just a couple targets on the Yangtze River

Radar Commisioning

Where am I going now ???

Mariusz checking the paint

Boom Hood Installation

Life Rings Arrive

Main Engine Running, Boom belt installed

2011-04-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

Boom Hopper

Boom Belt Being Pulled in Place

Boom Cable Festoon

Main Engine

Prop turning for the first time

2011-04-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

Peter Checking out the steelwork on the boom before they pull the belt

Big Dan getting the boom belt ready

Another day closer to sea trials...

2011-04-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

A few shots of the Integrated Bridge System

A few shots around the ship...

Getting ready to add the boom belt

Rodney on the left, the unloading gear tech

Winch Load Testing

Ken on the right, Lloyds Surveyor

A view of very light traffic on the Yangtze

Launching of 76000 DWT Vessel

2011-04-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

Vessel Launching, Scavengers picking up the wood after the launch...

Heavy Lifting

Vessel Tying up alongside us at the yard

Can't wait for the Chicken Feet!

MMM...Chicken Feet!!

All the paint being sanded by hand

Captain on the hatch crane

Dave's Date for the night... I bet she's hot...

New paint on the deck aft

Spare Main Engine Liner

Lifeboat & Rescue Boat arrives, Boom Luffing Cylinder being put in place

2011-04-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Door Is locked...Uh Oh

Just Arrived, All Shiny & New

John Watching the Luffing Cylinder being installed

Got Ya Todd!!

Dave claims this one...

Luffing Cylinder

Shot from Port Bridge Wing

Panoramic of Bridge coming together, click to enlarge

And so it continues...

2011-04-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Main Engine

Ships Service Generator 1 of 3

A few shots of the Ship, Hull paint still to come...

Yuan Garden

Back Street with many "shops"

Out & About

A few shots around the yard and Jiangyin....

2011-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Did you take the key to the container? No you did?

Captain inspecting the searchlights

Searchlight commissioning

Sizing up the lifeboat davit on the dock

A few shots around Jiangyin

The street outside our hotel

Taxi Anyone!

This guy wants to kick my a$* !

Yep he's gonna get his a$* kicked....

Noodle Stand on the left & Pineapple on the right

Canal

Birds in the park

Unloading Tunnel shots...

Laurence inspecting boom arrangements

Boom tray added

Loop Belt

Main Engine

Finally after weeks of being covered up, and covered with scaffolding Todd & Dave get to see the main engine again

Another day of inspecting and exploring...

2011-04-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Cargo Hold Lining & Conveyor

John on the way to lunch...

C Loop Belt Installation

C Loop #2

Dave checking out the Boom Luffing Cylinder in the Machine Shop

Dave & John watching the shafts of two other vessels on the test bed.

The making's of the Cargo Control Room

Boom Stays, we need a big strong man or two!

Lobby of the Life Island Hotel where we are staying.

Life Boat Davit Testing...

2011-04-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

Video Clip for Lifeboat Davit Testing

A few more pics out and about....

Captain Hiding from Immigration

Hmm... What's going on Here??

Carpool Anyone?

Mariusz on the right, our paint and coating expert.

Captain and Mate Exploring

Superstructure & Stack Paint

Where do all the wires go?

Our Location and some background info.

2011-04-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

For most of our sailing followers they know the story behind the Algoma Mariner, for family and friends who just pretend to listen to our sea stories, they may or may not know the tale. So we will attempt to tell the story for you here.

A few years ago an idea of re-building two vessels of the Seaway Marine Transport fleet became a reality, both parent companies (Algoma Central Corporation & Upper Lakes Shipping) signed a deal with Chengxi Shipyard of Jiangyin, Jiangsu China to complete the project. It started with the towing of the "old" M/V Algobay over to China and the forebody section removed and the after house attached to the new forebody. The "new" Algobay left China in 2010 and sailed back to Canada and is currently servicing the Great Lakes, East Coast of Canada, and the capabilities of servicing the Caribbean, and Northeastern areas of South America.

The second vessel to be converted was the Algoport, however unfortunately while being towed to China it broke up and foundered in the Pacific Ocean, some photos and such can be found here:
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/algoportsink.htm

With the forebody already constructed a decision was made to construct a new stern section and name the vessel the M/V Canadian Mariner.

Another chapter in the vessels history unfolded when Algoma Central Corporation purchased Upper Lakes Shipping's Interest in Seaway Marine Transport this past February and decided to name the vessel the M/V Algoma Mariner.

The following link shows our location http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jiangyin+life+island&aq=&sll=31.924775,120.283127&sspn=0.44816,1.054001&ie=UTF8&hq=Jiangyin+life+island&hnear=&ll=31.924193,120.283813&spn=3.584871,8.432007&z=8

A few Pics around the yard today....

And So it Continues.....

2011-04-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

Lunch Time !!

The project team enjoys a traditional chinese lunch everyday.

Captain Mackenzie, Yanhong - Teams Prized Secretary, & John Kerbrat

Peter, Dan, John, Laurence, Capt Mackenzie & Yanhong

C/E Todd, Peter Johnson, & Dan (Quality Belt)

Voyage Data Recorder, Similar to an airplanes Black Box.

Hmmm...How Are we suppose to gossip now...

Doing some touch ups on the paint job

Company Logo in Progress....

Main Mast on the Monkey's Island

Stern Anchor Arrives

Ships View from Monkey's Island

Captain Getting Ready to head back to the office!!

Superstructure Almost completely Painted in One Day

2011-04-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

We went home for the day and returned to see the Superstructure painted

Chinese Name for the sea trials under Chinese Registry, after the trials we get our name and the Canadian Registry

Was able to finally capture one shot of Todd (C/E).....

Chief Engineer Dave getting aquainted with the new gig!!

First Safety Meeting..... C/E, Chief Mate, & Captain

Hmm... Where is Dave??

Cargo Hold

Foc'sle View

View From the Bow

A few Pics......

2011-04-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

First day for the Captain and First Mate at the yard, 2 C/E's been here now 2 weeks.

Things are busy, but coming along nicely....

Welcome!!

2011-04-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog,

For all our family and colleagues back home wondering how we are doing in Jiangyin working on the finishing of the M/V Algoma Mariner we hope to keep you up to date here.

Any questions and comments you might have we will strive to assist !!

Please stay tuned for pictures and progress updates.....