Self Unloader CSL LAURTENTIEN

Here's something you don't see everyday. While laid up for the winter in Port Colborne, the Canada Steamship Lines self unloader CSL LAURENTIEN appeared to be having some steel plates replaced on her starboard side in this photo from March 10, 2005. Looks like she's been rubbing up against the wall a little too much. Actually it is was it is for all big seaway-maxer's

When built is 1977 at Collingwood Shipyards her name was LOUIS R. DESMARAIS and her dimensions were 730'x75', the then "Seaway-max" size. In 2000, she entered Port Weller Dry Dock to have a forebody attached to her superstructure that met the new "Seaway-max" size of 740'x 78'. Obviously every extra foot that can be added a ship's length and beam means that more cargo can be moved and of course more revenue goes to the ship-owner.  Unfortunately though, more repairs (and paint jobs) are also required due to these ships having to rub the walls while entering and leaving the Seaway's narrow locks.
It's the cost of doing business these days and fortunately during the winter of 2005, having CSL LAURENTIEN sitting high in ballast and using the ice surface as a platform allowed contractors the ability to complete the repair in harbour instead of at a costly dry dock. Definitely a true definition of the term "a penny saved is a penny earned" don't you think. c):-o