Algoma Innovator
Algoma Innovator, the first of the fleet’s two new Equinox-class 650-foot-long self-unloading dry-bulk freighters, departed the 3 Maj Shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia on Feb. 23, 2018 en route to Canada. She was expected to arrive in mid-March carrying a cargo of bauxite.
Algoma Innovator is the sixth Equinox-class vessel added to the company’s domestic fleet, bringing the total vessels in the class to seven, comprising four gearless bulkers and three self-unloaders.
“With the addition of the new class-leading vessels to our domestic fleet, the 2018 navigation season is already turning out to be an exciting one” said Ken Bloch Soerensen, president and CEO of Algoma. “The Algoma Innovator will be a leader in the river-class segment and we look forward to being able to offer more flexibility to our customers.”
Written by Roger LeLievre
Algoma Innovator 9-1-2025 [Ramsey Nicholson]
Algoma Innovator being assisted into the Rouge River by the G Tug “Minnesota” ~ July 19, 2025 [Carson Last]
Equinox Class laker Algoma Innovator headed down the St. Clair River on a Summer evening - June 30, 2025 [Rod Burdick]
Algoma Innovator at anchor 5-26-2025 [Kevin Langerfeld]
Taken on May 26th with the John G Munson and the Menominee/ Olive D Moore loading with stone and the Algoma Innovator waiting at anchor. [Kevin Langerfeld]
Algoma Innovator downbound in the Soo Lock Canal. 6-4-25 [David Kaye]
Rocking and rolling into Two Harbors the Canadian ship , June 1 2025 Algoma Innovator [Matthew Pastick]
Algoma Innovator 5-5-2025 [Bill Kloss] [4]
Algoma Innovator 5-5-2025 [Bill Kloss] [3]
Algoma Innovator 5-5-2025 [Bill Kloss] [2]
Algoma Innovator 5-5-2025 [Bill Kloss] [1]
A sampler of the Algoma Innovator unloading salt at Compass Minerals and then departing empty for Thunder Bay. Its frequent transits through the Seaway lock system has done a number on its paint, and hauling salt doesn't help. Duluth, MN - April 23, 2025 [David schauer]
ALGOMA INNOVATOR - Upbound Port Huron, Michigan 4-8-2025 [Paul R Murray]
ALGOMA INNOVATOR - Upbound Port Huron, Michigan 4-8-2025 [Paul R Murray]
The Welland Canal will officially close for the season at noon today. The Algoma Innovator was the last freighter to leave the canal into Lake Erie this year. She passed under the Clarence Street bridge (Bridge 21) at about 4:30 am this morning! I wish the Seaway workers a safe and successful time working to get the canal ready for the start of the next season in March!
Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada [Brad Wood Photography]
Algoma Innovator upbound leaving the Soo Locks this evening. They are headed for Thunder Bay, On. 12-31-24 [David Kaye]
Algoma Innovator downbound on the St. Clair River at Marine City, MI. Her destination is Lorain, OH. - Nov 13, 2024 [Don Detloff]
Algoma Innovator upbound on the St. Clair River at Marine City, MI. Her destination is Goderich, ON. - Oct-18-2024 [Don Detloff]
Algoma Innovator [Mike Fogelsinger] 8-8-2024
Algoma Innovator [Paul R. Murray] 4-26-2024
Algoma Innovator [Paul R. Murray] 4-26-2024
Algoma Innovator [Chris Mazzella]
Algoma Innovator passes Great Republic while preparing to join Verplank's unloading party. Dave Redman (Grand Haven, MI – July 18)
Battle-scarred Algoma Innovator makes her exit later in the evening. Matthew Uthe (Grand Haven, MI – July 18)
A small fleet of tugs works to free Algoma Innovator from the sandy banks of the St. Clair River. Marc Dease image, April 2
Algoma Innovator aground Saturday morning. Craig Randall
A frosty Algoma Innovator arrives Chicago, IL's Calumet River with a load of salt from Goderich, ON. Stephen Sostaric image, February 25
Algoma Innovator heads downbound with salt at Port Huron, MI. Paul Murray image, February 19
Algoma Innovator backs into the outer harbor slip with salt in Milwaukee, WI. MKE Marine Reports image, February 16
Algoma Innovator brings salt to Milwaukee, WI, and the Kinder Morgan bagging plant. MKE Marine Reports image, February 6
Winter warrior Algoma Innovator unloads salt at Marinette, WI. Skip Heckel image, January 16
A nice snowy arrival for Algoma Innovator and a load of salt for Duluth. David Schauer image, December 6
Algoma Innovator departs Cleveland for Owen Sound as Laura L. VanEnkevort/Joseph H. Thompson prepare to arrive. Bill Kloss image, October 27
Algoma Innovator puts green salt ashore in Owen Sound. Keith Fawcett image, October 28
Algoma Innovator traverses the Bong Bridge and railroad swing bridge on her way to C. Reiss in West Duluth with salt. David Schauer image, September 14
Algoma Innovator shows some wear and tear on her arrival at Toledo, evidence of a hardworking first several years on the lakes. Benjamin Lee, August 2
Algoma Innovator makes an appearence in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. Matthew Uthe, July 24
G-tug Wisconsin assists Algoma Innovator make the departure from Toledo. Benjamin Lee, July 21
Algoma Innovator unloads on the Grand River at Grand Haven. Chris Hirsch, July 15
Algoma Innovator at Compass Minerals in South Chicago, where she has remained for the past several days. Scott Alan, June 27
Whitefish Bay departs the Calumet River with the help of G-tugs Illinois and Nebraska. The bow of the Algoma Innovator at Compass Minerals can be seen to the left. Lou Gerard, June 26
Algoma Innovator upbound Detroit under moody skies. Andrew Dean, May 21
Algoma Innovator discharging salt at Jones' Island. - Jeremy Whitman
Algoma Innovator heading downbound on the St. Clair River. March 31, 2022. Thomas faucher.
Algoma Innovator in winter layup at Port Colborne. Feb. 10, 2022. Barry Andersen.
Algoma Innovator passing Point Louise. Graham Grattan
Algoma Innovator passing Point Louise. Graham Grattan
Algoma Innovator unloads salt at Compass Minerals, Duluth. Connor Tenold
Algoma Innovator unloads salt at Compass Minerals, Duluth. Connor Tenold
Vessel Details
| IMO No. | 9773375 |
| Year Built | 2017 |
| Builder | Maj Brodogradiliste (Rijeka, Croatia) |
| Length | 650’9″ / 198.35m |
| Beam | 78′ / 23.77m |
| Depth | 44’6″ / 13.57m |
| Midsummer Draft | 28’3″ / 8.6m |
| Unloading Boom Conveyor Length |
260′ / 79.25m |
| Capacity | 25,054 tons |
| Engine Power | 11,144 bhp diesel |
| Previous Names | (None) |
| Previous Fleets | (None) |