Madison Scheriff was driving home from work in Escanaba last week and saw something she thought was a bit odd, a freighter at the north shore dock that looked like it was delivering salt. She thought it was strange, as the shipping season has ended until March. It was the Algoma Intrepid, part of the Algoma Central Corporation, sailing under the Flag of Canada and was delivering salt picked up in Goderich, Ontario, home to the largest underground salt mine in the world. The 650 foot freighter was accompanied by Jimmy L, an ice-breaking tug. Leaving Escanaba, the Algoma Intrepid sailed back to Goderich on Lake Huron and then headed to Milwaukee, where it was due to arrive today, February 2nd.

The bottom photo from Madison, is the Cason J. Calloway, in long-term layup, possibly permanent layup, in Escanaba. She was towed there in December 2023, from Sturgeon Bay, WI. Rumor is that it will be scrapped and they have been taking parts off her for other boats. She hasn’t sailed since 2021.

Today’s video gives us a closer look at the Algoma Intrepid, I believe in Duluth, unloading salt. It’s neat to see above the boat with some of the holds open and the salt in there. The lead-in says: “The Algoma Intrepid is a 650-foot self-unloading dry-bulk carrier built in 2020 for the Algoma domestic fleet. It's the second Equinox Class ship built for the fleet. The Intrepid has a carrying capacity of 25,019 t DWT and a draught of 8.5 meters. It cost at least $36.5 million. The Intrepid is an identical sister ship to the Algoma Innovator. The contract for the Intrepid was cancelled part way through construction, but was later renewed. The Algoma Intrepid sails under the flag of Canada.”

Amid all the current uncertainty, HAPPY AMERICAN BLUE-EYED
GROUNDHOG DAY
Still tariff free we hope!

Where is that rodent?? We want SPRING!

WTG GK! Awesome stuff!

Cool pictures and video.

Hi
Gormfrog, I second that emotion.

I was also surprised to see ships on the wintery
lake after shipping season, but it made sense after
the explanation. In the video, I noticed what looked
like a large, solid, chunk of salt down in the hold.
I wonder how they will break it down.

Interesting set!
I wonder who’s to
blame for the Calloway
layup. It won’t look
good on the resume.
And my first thought
on the video ;
“Biggy Fries “