The
Algorail upbound in the St. Louis River
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6394
The
Algorail takes on fuel before proceeding to its loading berth.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6407
In command of the
Algorail is Captain Clarence Vautier, from Lapoile, NFL.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6417
Just off the dock after departing Murphy Fuel.
It takes about an hour for the
Algorail to fuel at Duluth.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6435
The Great Lakes Towing tug
North Dakota arrives alongside to assist the
Algorail
While awaiting repairs to their bow thruster, the
Algorail takes several loads of coal
from Midwest Energy, a departure from their normal trade routes in small ports.
North Dakota, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6422
Captain George LaTour and his crew await the tow line from the
Algorail.
North Dakota, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6429
One of the distinct features of the
Algorail is its forward mounted unloading boom.
The ship's unloading boom is 250 feet long.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6441
Cargo hold vents on the aft hatch of the
Algorail.
The
Algorail carries a variety of products that need ventilation, such as fertilizers and coal.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6450
Visits to the Twin Ports are rare, so the crew does a bit of relaxing and sightseeing as they head toward the dock.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6456
Looking forward as the
Algorail approaches Midwest Energy.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6472
Looking forward from the port side.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6484
Access area to the unloading boom from the Texas Deck. Two elevators lift the cargo the unloading boom.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6505
Looking aft from the starboard side weather deck.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6479
The pilothouse on the
Algorail.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6496
The play of light and shadow along a forward ladderway.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6497
Anchor marker on the port side of
Algorail.
Algorail, Duluth MN, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6499
The deck crew enjoys the ride across the harbor to the coal dock.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6486
Deck crew members: L-R Charlie Barter (OS), Gary Bond (OS), Tony Carter (OS), Ray Vautier (2nd Mate)
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6510
Captain Clarence Vautier at the front window in communication with the tugs and his deck crew.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6522
As the
Algorail approaches the dock, deckhands are landed to help moor the ship.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6539
Loading begins almost immediately upon arrival.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6567
Looking aft down the loading deck of the
Algorail at Midwest Energy.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6576
The coal loaded on this trip is consigned to Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Nanticoke plant on Lake Erie.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6571
The
Algorail was built in 1968, and is just over 640 feet in length,
with a summer capacity of about 23,000 tons.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6588
The
Algorail as seen from the dock apron at Midwest Energy.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6597
Because of their relatively small size it only takes about five hours for the
Algorail to load and depart.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6647
Entering the Duluth Ship Canal while passing beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Algorail, Superior WI, July 27, 2008, Image 08-6668
