The Algoma Navigator was a Canadian bulk carrier currently operated by Algoma Central.[1] Like other bulk carriers her potential cargos include: coal/coke, aggregates, slag, iron ore/oxides, salt, fertilizers, grain products, gypsum, quartzite, or sand.
She had three owners.[1] She was built in the United Kingdom, and was first owned and operated by Cambay Steamship Company, from 1967 to 1975 as the Demeterton. Even though she was built for ocean commerce she saw service on the St Lawrence Seaway.[2] Cambay enlarged her from 567 ft (172.82 m) to 647 ft (197.21 m) in 1969.
When she was purchased by the Upper Lakes Group in 1975.[1] Upper Lakes renamed her the St. Lawrence Navigator. In 1980 Upper Lakes lengthened and rebuilt the vessel. A new bow section was added, with a 1000 horsepower bow thruster. After the rebuild she was renamed the Canadian Navigator. After the rebuild she was 729 ft (222.2 m) long -- the maximum length of a vessel that can fit in a St Lawrence Seaway lock. In 1997 a boom was added making her capable of self-unloading.
Upper Lakes operated her from 1975 to 2011, when they sold their entire fleet to Algoma Central.[1] After her purchase she was renamed the Algoma Navigator.
She was powered by a single 9,680 horsepower diesel engine, which can propel her at 14.5 knots.[1]
Several earlier vessels named Demeterton operated in the United Kingdom, one being sunk by a u-boat during World War II.