The Great Lakes bulk carrier conversion Canadian Ranger emerged from Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catharines, ON on April 5th, 1984 as hull their #72; a result of the joining of the stern section (pilothouse, engine room, and machinery) of the former coastal package freighter Chimo with the bow and midbody of the "T2" tanker converted lake bulk carrier Hilda Marjanne less her forward wheelhouse, stern accommodations, and machinery. In order for the stern of the Chimo to adapt to the bow section of the Hilda Marjanne, a special 25 foot (7.62m) transition hull had to be constructed to accommodate the 19 foot (5.79m) difference in beam. The rear pilothouse was raised the equivalent of one deck level to increase visibility. At her launch, the Canadian Ranger was registered as being owned by Ranex Shipping who chartered the vessel to ULS. International Inc.; both wholly owned subsidiaries of Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd., Toronto, ON. After completing sea trials April 26th, 1984 on Lake Ontario; the Canadian Ranger sailed on her maiden voyage May 6th to Toledo, OH to load coal for Hamilton, passing downbound through the Welland Canal on May 9th, 1984.

The Canadian Ranger is powered by a Sulzer model 5RND68 two stroke cycle, single acting 6,100 b.h.p. 5 cylinder diesel engine built in 1967 by Sulzer Brothers Ltd., Winterthur, Switzerland and burns intermediate grade 180 fuel. She is equipped with a single variable speed propeller and has a rated speed of 19.6 m.p.h. The vessel is equipped with a 1,000 h.p. bow thruster.