A prolonged stay in port for a Canadian chemical and product tanker is annoying walkers and anglers.

The 18,600-dwt Algoscotia (built 2004) was forced to find a place to berth after developing a rudder problem in June, according to the Le Manic website

The Algoma Central Corporation vessel picked Canada’s port of Baie-Comeau, whose wharf has been inaccessible to the public for almost a month.

The situation will continue until at least 20 July, the port authority believes.

Anglers have been left frustrated as the mackerel fishing season opens.

“We don’t have a fixed departure date. We cannot guarantee anything. We hope it will be around July 20,” said Karine Otis, general manager of the Corporation de Gestion du port de Baie-Comeau.

The ship’s stay in the port has been extended due to a delay in delivery of a part needed for repair work.

Otis confirmed having received requests for information from people about the prolonged inaccessibility of the wharf.

No access can be authorised

“As long as the ship is there, we cannot authorise access,” she added.

Algoma Central has been contacted for comment.

The vessel has insurance cover from the Standard P&I Club in the UK.

There is no record of port state control detentions for the tanker.

VesselsValue assesses the ship as worth $5.5m.

The last AIS update for the tanker came on 24 May, when it was moored in Baie-Comeau.