First New Cement Carrier in 20 Years Sets Sail Through Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY – SHIPPING & INFRASTRUCTURE — The MV Tamarack, the first purpose-built cement carrier to enter service in the Great Lakes in over 20 years, is charting a bold course for sustainable marine transport—and Thunder Bay could be one of its key future ports of call.

Having completed its maiden transatlantic voyage from the Netherlands and docking in Montreal on August 22, the 12,500 DWT vessel represents a major investment in modern, low-emission logistics for the cement industry.

Owned by Eureka Shipping—a joint venture between The CSL Group and SMT Shipping—the Tamarack replaces two aging ships with one high-efficiency vessel capable of handling the same volume while dramatically reducing its environmental footprint.

With Thunder Bay serving as a crucial link in Canada’s domestic shipping and infrastructure supply chain, this vessel’s deployment could play a pivotal role in supporting Northwest Ontario’s construction and development sectors.

From major highway projects to municipal upgrades, cement transported across the Great Lakes is a backbone resource—and how it’s moved matters.

Purpose-Built for the Great Lakes Economy

Built at Holland Shipyard and delivered in July 2025, the MV Tamarack boasts a 10,700m³ cement cargo hold, diesel-electric propulsion, and full shore-power compatibility—an asset as ports like Thunder Bay look to future-proof operations and reduce emissions.

The vessel also supports HVO biofuel, a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, and includes noise insulation and energy-saving cargo handling systems.

“Bringing MV Tamarack to the Great Lakes has been a true team effort,” said Kai Grotterud, Managing Director of Eureka Shipping. “This highly efficient vessel is the result of smart design and a shared vision for more responsible shipping.”

Regional Impacts and Economic Relevance

Thunder Bay has long been a strategic hub for bulk cargo, including cement used in regional infrastructure and mining development. With increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions across the supply chain, vessels like the Tamarack could shape the future of how raw materials reach Northwestern Ontario.

Both Canada Steamship Lines and Eureka Shipping have operational ties that may extend to Thunder Bay terminals. As investments in renewable infrastructure and green construction rise across Northern communities, a vessel with lower emissions and modern efficiency could bring both cost and environmental benefits to the region.

Shipping Giants Behind the Innovation

Eureka Shipping specializes in cement logistics globally, operating a fleet of self-unloading vessels across key shipping regions, including the Great Lakes. CSL, headquartered in Montreal, is the world’s largest operator of self-unloading vessels, while SMT Shipping brings 30 years of experience in global bulk transport.