For nearly six decades, MV Frontenac has been a familiar presence on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Now, she has reached a historic milestone, becoming the longest-serving vessel in CSL’s history. At 58 years old and sailing in her 59th year of operation, MV Frontenac has surpassed all others for continuous service under the CSL flag. Close behind is sister ship MV CSL Tadoussac, which turns 57 this year and remains an active member of the CSL fleet.
Built by Davie Shipbuilding in Lauzon, Québec, MV Frontenac was launched on December 12, 1967, and entered service in 1968 as a conventional straight-deck bulk carrier. In 1973, the vessel underwent a major conversion at Collingwood Shipyards, emerging as a self-unloading bulk carrier equipped with an advanced conveyor system and 76.8-metre unloading boom. More than five decades later, she continues to transport essential commodities including aggregates, grain, salt and other bulk cargoes throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
“Frontenac’s longevity is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the generations of seafarers, engineers and shore-based teams who have maintained and operated her over the years,” said Louis Martel, CSL President and CEO. “Thanks to their dedication and expertise, she continues to serve safely, reliably and efficiently nearly six decades after entering service. Her long career is also a reminder that maintaining vessels responsibly and operating them throughout their useful lives can play an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of shipping.”
The achievement is particularly meaningful in the context of CSL’s more than 180-year history. MV Frontenac and MV CSL Tadoussac have now surpassed the previous company record held by SS Midland Price, which served for 56 years between 1913 and 1968. Other notable long-serving CSL vessels include SS Donnacona, which operated for 56 years from 1914 to 1969, and SS Gleneagles, which sailed under the CSL flag for 52 years between 1926 and 1978.
Over the course of her long career, MV Frontenac has played a role in some of the defining moments of Great Lakes shipping. In November 1975, the vessel participated in the search effort following the loss of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior, a tragic event that remains one of the most significant incidents in Great Lakes maritime history.
As one of the last classic Great Lakes bulk carriers still in operation, MV Frontenac has earned a unique place in CSL history. Nearly 60 years after her maiden voyage, she continues to serve with the same purpose she always has: connecting industries, supporting communities and moving the cargoes that keep the economy running. Her record-setting career is a tribute to the craftsmanship that built her and the generations of people who have kept her sailing ever since.
Photo credit: Windsor Aerial Drone Photography
