The McCarthy was built in Sturgeon Bay, WI in 1977 and was the prototype for several succeeding ships of the "B" type.. She differs outwardly from the two which immediately proceeded her (Barker & Mesabi Miner) in sporting extended bridge wings. The design of the self-unloader was changed and one can also note a reduced height in the splash rail in the bow.

This ship was originally christened the "Belle River" and sailed under that name in the American Steamship fleet until 1990 when she was renamed after a retired Chairman of Detroit Edison (the ship has apparently been used primarily to carry "western" coal from Superior, WI to the Edison Belle River plant in St Clair. Most of the other members of the "1000-footer" class have been employed primarily in moving Taconite to steel mills in the lower lakes.)

The McCarthy is powered by four GM 10 cylinder Diesel engines producing a total of 14,400 hp, driving twin screws, and is also equipped with both bow and stern 1500 hp thrusters.