1981 William J. DeLancey
Steel twin-screw self-unloading Great Lakes bulk freighter
Built at Lorain OH by American Ship Building Co., Hull 909
Keel laid July 12, 1979. After section built in drydock at Lorain. Forward cargo section built at Toledo OH. Vessel floated Feb 2, 1981.
Last vessel built at this shipyard.
Longest vessel on the Great Lakes.
1013’6” LOA, 1000’ LBP, 105’ beam, 56’ depth
1 deck, arch cargo hold construction, hatches @ 24’, 2 oil-fired diesel engines, 17000 BHP
Enrolled at
999.6 x 105.2 x 54.1, 36360 GT, 32580 NT US 631668 to:
Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland OH (home port Wilmington DE)
Entered service May 10, 1981 clearing Lorain OH light for Silver Bay MN
Renamed Paul R. Tregurtha 1990
IMO 7729057
In service 2011 for Interlake Steamship Co.
8102
I bought a couple aprons at an auction, and they are stamped with this ship’s name! Glad to see the history…
Quite a few years ago, the William J. De Lancey / Paul Tregurtha, made available a passenger room for rent/ as lodging for a few days via a charity raffle event. Any availability at this time?
I don’t know of any program.
You could check with Interlake Steamship Co. to find out if they have any plans for the future.
I was on this vessel for the sea trials, the christening and the maiden voyage and on working in the galley as a Porter. I remember going through the Soo locks from in the passenger lounge with the red Italian leather couches and dark blue carpet. I used to get overtime working there. I miss it. The sea is the place to be
I started with Pickands Mather in 1978 in the ore mines accounting department. 2 accountants were in a separate office with a diagram of Hull 909 on the wall which would become the William J DeLancey. The DeLancey was named for the chairman of Republic Steel in honor of Republic’s recent ownership in Hibbing Taconite Co. expansion. I was at the dedication in Lorain and toured the ship. I think I still have the commemorative coin.