ANOTHER CANADIAN LAKER FROM CROATIAN YARD

The 198-metre Algoma Intrepid was handed over during September by the 3 Maj shipyard in Rijeka to Canadian operator Algoma Central Corporation. The completion of the Equinox 650-class self-unloader denotes a new stage in the recovery of 3 Maj following the liquidation of the debt-laden parent Uljanik group.

Algoma had initially signed contracts with the group for five self-dischargers, but four were subsequently cancelled. First-of-class Algoma Innovator was delivered by 3 Maj in 2018. Construction of the second newbuild at Rijeka was annulled later that year, but reinstated in September 2019 after authorisation of a state guarantee against a loan to finish the ship, now poised for duty as the 24,900dwt Algoma Intrepid.

Algoma’s Equinox family, first introduced during 2013-2014, comprises both gearless bulkers and self-dischargers. The Equinox 650 geared version was devised with the primary aim of strengthening the company’s competitiveness in serving salt and aggregate industrial shippers while offering scope in a range of other bulk commodities.

Rather than the more usual arrangement among Lakers whereby the self-unloading, deck conveyor boom is pivoted aft, the Equinox 650 class employs a forward-mounted boom. This layout affords greater flexibility and precision as to points of cargo discharge.

The self-unloading system developed by the Canadian company EMS-Tech is designed for throughout rates of up to 5,450t per hour with stone or 4,500t/h with cargoes such as salt. Two gravity-fed conveyors incorporating feeder gates run the length of the cargo section in tunnels under the four holds. Cargo is lifted using a C-Loop conveyor and transferred to the 81-metre boom which luffs to 18 degrees and slews 105 degrees port and starboard.

As with Algoma Innovator, the Algoma Intrepid was specified with an exhaust gas scrubber using fresh water recirculating in a closed-loop system and treating the exhaust streams from the main engine, auxiliaries and main boiler. The technology and equipment is that of Wartsila.

The main engine is a five cylinder model of the WinGD RT-flex50D type, producing just under 7,000kW for direct drive to a controllable pitch propeller, for a laden speed of 14 knots. Electrical energy is derived from three Wartsila Auxpac gensets based on 1,100kW 6L20 diesels. The Wartsila package includes the bow and stern thrusters, vital to manoeuvring at confined berths and in the harbour channels, fairways and locks of the Lakes and Seaway system.

Croatian sources have indicated that 3 Maj is in the running for several other export newbuild projects, including a tanker and possibly one of the three larger self-unloaders contained in the originally planned Canadian programme at the Uljanik Group.

Another positive development in the ramp-up of higher added-value work at 3 Maj was the recent agreement whereby MKM Yachts has been granted a 10-year sub-concession on part of the Rijeka shipyard. This will be used by MKM Yachts, part of cruise specialist Scenic Group, for the production of ultra-luxury cruise vessels designed for the ‘boutique’ or ‘expedition’ segment of the market. The company has taken over responsibility for the construction of the 17,500gt Scenic Eclipse II, which had been laid down at the 3 Maj yard last year.

The design provides for a passenger complement of only 228. MKM would also be the prime contractor for an envisaged four further vessels of the type, to be delivered to Scenic Cruises up to 2026. The latter’s newbuild programme started with the Scenic Eclipse I, delivered in August 2019 from Uljanik Shipyard at Pula.