This is the last 1,000 footer to be built and also the biggest. Built in two sections (like the Speer) in Toledo and Lorain, OH, she was christened the "William J. Delancy" on April 25, 1981. Unlike the previous twelve "1,000 footers" she was given a hull length of either 1013 or 1014 (both figures are quoted in various places), while all the other ships of the class are either 1000' or 1004' in length. Whichever figure is correct, there is no argument that she reigns as "Queen of the Lakes" - a title, which, of course, has been held in succession by many ships, the Edmund Fitzgerald among them.

The Delancy's external design is the "A" plan, with uncovered bridge wings and a high splash rail in the bow. She is equipped with a bow thruster only and a power plant consisting of 2 Colt-Pielstick 16 cylinder diesels.

When launched, the ship was named after the then current President of Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) Steel corporation. In May of 1990, however, she was re-christened "Paul R. Tregurtha" after the Vice Chairman of her owners, Interlake Steamship Co.