MV Buffalo A Comprehensive Guide

The MV Buffalo is a unique and fascinating subject. Its history dates back to the 19th century.

The ship was built in 1872 at the yard of William Denny and Brothers in Dumbarton, Scotland. The Buffalo was designed to be a passenger and cargo vessel.

The MV Buffalo is known for its impressive size, measuring 270 feet in length and 35 feet in width. It was a significant addition to the shipping fleet of the time.

The ship's hull was constructed from iron, a cutting-edge material at the time, and its propulsion system consisted of a single screw and a steam engine.

Additional reading: Us Canada Border Buffalo

The MV Buffalo is a roll-on/roll-off ship that was formerly part of the French Government Line, which is now merged into CMA CGM.

She was sold and reflagged in the United States, and then chartered by the United States Navy Military Sealift Command as a Maritime Prepositioning ship.

This ship is designed to be self-sustaining, meaning it can unload itself, which is an asset in harbors with little or no infrastructure.

It has a 120-long-ton-capacity roll-on/roll-off ramp that can accommodate tracked and wheeled vehicles of every description.

The MV Buffalo is not currently in service with MSC, but ships with similar characteristics are designated as Buffalo Soldier class, fleet designation AK 2222.

The MV Buffalo was a passenger ferry that operated in the 1990s. It was built in 1962 and initially used for cargo transport before being converted to a passenger ferry.

The ferry was known for its reliability and frequent departures. It had a capacity for over 100 passengers and crew members.

The MV Buffalo operated on a regular route between two ports, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Mv Coho Black Ball Ferry Line

The MV Buffalo is a self-unloading lake freighter that measures 634 feet 10 inches long overall.

Its size is quite impressive, and its length is matched by its impressive cargo capacity of 744,712 cu ft.

The vessel has a beam of 68 feet 3 inches and a depth of 40 feet 0 inches, which allows it to navigate through various waterways.

Its maximum draft is 15 feet 3+1⁄2 inches, which is relatively shallow for a ship of its size.

The MV Buffalo was initially measured at 11,619 gross register tons (GRT) and 23,481 tons deadweight (DWT) when built.

The vessel is powered by two 3,600-brake-horsepower (2,700 kW) diesel engines, which give it a maximum speed of 14 knots.

This speed is made possible by the engines turning a controllable pitch propeller through Falk reduction gears.

The propeller is a key component in the vessel's propulsion system, and its controllable pitch allows for efficient speed control.

The MV Buffalo is also equipped with a 1,000 hp (750 kW) bow thruster and a 600 hp (450 kW) stern thruster, which provide additional maneuverability.

The vessel's propulsion system is quite impressive, and its speed and maneuverability make it well-suited for its role as a lake freighter.

The MV Buffalo has a rich history that spans over four decades. It was constructed as a self-unloading lake freighter and initially measured at 11,619 gross register tons (GRT) and 23,481 tons deadweight (DWT) when built.

The vessel's construction was part of the American Shipping Company's program under Title XI of the United States' Merchant Marine Act of 1970, which allowed U.S. shipping companies to construct new vessels or modernize their existing fleet with government-guaranteed financing and tax deferred benefits.

The keel of the MV Buffalo was laid down by the Bay Shipbuilding Company at their yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on 12 May 1977 with the yard number 721. The vessel was launched on 16 March 1978 and completed on 23 September 1978.

The MV Buffalo was named for Buffalo, New York, the site of the American Shipping Company's headquarters. It entered service in 1978 and was used to transport bulk cargoes, such as iron ore pellets, coal, limestone, and gypsum throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

If this caught your attention, see: MV Queen of Oak Bay

Here are some key events in the MV Buffalo's history: