MV Oakglen was a feature of Owen Sound’s waterfront for most of 2025. To the enjoyment of some and frustration of others, its winter layup, which began on New Years Eve in 2024, lasted over 8 months before ending on September 20.
Like the John D. Leitch which spent a similar amount of time here last year, we don’t know for sure what caused the extended layup. The most likely reason is a lack of work for the Canada Steamship Lines fleet, resulting in some of their ships being left in layup. Other CSL freighters, the Spruceglen and Atlantic Huron, also spent much of their time in layup before going back to work in September.
While in Owen Sound, the Oakglen seems to have enjoyed a bit of maintenance. We don’t know the full extent of it, but we at least know that they received a new propeller for one of the bow thrusters.
Shortly after departure, the Oakglen listed its destination as Thunder Bay, presumably to pick up its first cargo of the season.