On September 28, the first 80,000 DWT self-unloading bulk carrier “ALGOMA LEGACY”, built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group’s Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding for Canadian shipowner Algoma Central Corporation, departed from the shipyard dock to begin its maiden voyage.
This series comprises a total of five ships, all built by Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding. It is worth mentioning that the “ALGOMA LEGACY” is also the 100th vessel owned by Algoma. This historic milestone highlights its leadership position in the long-term growth of the diversified short-sea shipping market.
The “ALGOMA LEGACY” successfully completed sea trials on August 17, 2025, with all performance indicators meeting design requirements. The ship’s power system is equipped with a TIER III methanol-ready main engine with EGR, providing the capability for future conversion to methanol fuel. This enables a reduction of approximately 80% in nitrogen oxides (NOx), 99% in sulfur oxides (SOx), and 10% in carbon dioxide emissions. In terms of operational efficiency, the ship is equipped with electric /sliding hatch covers and a new generation self-unloading system, reducing dependence on specific port unloading facilities and enabling continuous and efficient cargo transfer with an unloading rate of up to 5,000 tons per hour. It is also fitted with a 1500KW CPP side thruster system, providing flexibility for berthing and unloading operations at various ports.
On September 26, the ship delivery documents for the “ALGOMA LEGACY” were jointly signed by Mr. Bradley Thomas Scarbro, representative of the shipowner; Mr. Song Shuming, Vice General Manager of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and General Manager of Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding; and Mr. Koichiro Furuki, COO of Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding.
Gregg Ruhl, President and CEO of Algoma, stated, “This is doubly significant for us: first, the delivery of the ‘ALGOMA LEGACY’, the lead vessel in our new series of methanol-ready self-unloaders, and second, the achievement of our 100th vessel in the global fleet. Owning 100 vessels represents not only decades of development, strategic partnerships, and our commitment to providing sustainable shipping solutions for our customers, but also the dedication and passion of all our employees.”
Ten years ago, Algoma operated fewer than 40 vessels, primarily serving the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. Today, the company’s dry bulk and liquid bulk fleets have grown by more than 60 vessels in Canada and globally, completing its transformation into a global operator. Through strategic partnerships and diversified deployment in niche short-sea shipping markets, Algoma has achieved enhanced risk resilience, sustainable growth, and ensured stable development.
The “ALGOMA LEGACY” will join the world’s largest fleet of ocean-going self-unloading vessels in the pool. Two of its sister ships are expected to be delivered and join the pool in the next two years. These new vessels will replace the three oldest ships in the pool, and the combination of optimized fuel efficiency and cargo capacity is expected to achieve a 40% increase in efficiency.
