Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature -- Catherine Desgagnes

By George Wharton
Launched September 27, 1961; this ocean and Seaway bulk carrier was built by Hall Russell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen, Scotland as the Gosforth for the Burnett Steamship Co. Ltd., Newcastle, England. She is powered by a Sulzer 4,100 horsepower 6 cylinder diesel engine giving her a rated service speed of 14 knots. The Gosforth was rebuilt in 1968 increasing her tonnage from 7,580 dwt to 8,350 dwt. She has 4 hatches feeding into 4 holds where she is capable of carrying 8350 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 25 feet 6 inches.

The Quebec & Ontario Transportation Co. Ltd., Montreal, PQ bought the Gosforth in 1972 renaming her the Thorold(3). After a refit at Sorel, PQ to carry newsprint, she re-entered service July 31, 1972.

The Thorold was sold to Transport Desgagnes Inc., Quebec City, PQ in early 1984 after the Q.&O. ceased operations Dec.31, 1983. The vessel was renamed Catherine Desgagnes in 1985. The Catherine Desgagnes is an active carrier for the Desgagnes fleet trading on the Great Lakes and East Coast waters. Her cargoes could include pig iron, coal, grain products, salt, and aluminum ingots. A recent example of this vessel's versatility (late 1999) show the Catherine Desgagnes arriving at Goderich, ON from Marinette, WI to pick up corn for Long Point, Newfoundland.

Overall dimensions
Length	410'03"
Beam	56'04"
Depth	31'00"
Capacity (tons)	8,350

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