Algoma Central, Irving Oil welcome two new tankers

SAINT JOHN, NB – Irving Oil and Algoma Central Corp. recently welcomed the first of two new product tankers into Saint John Harbour. The vessels will service Canada’s largest refinery with deliveries to ports in Atlantic Canada and the U.S. East Coast. The vessels represent a total investment of $127 million by Algoma in partnership with Irving Oil.

The Algoma East Coast and the Algoma Acadian – the latter of which will arrive later this year – are 37,000 DWT ice class product tanker vessels ordered by Algoma and constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Shipyard in South Korea. Both vessels will be on long-term time charter to Irving Oil under Canadian flag.

“Algoma is excited to welcome the Algoma East Coast, and soon, the Algoma Acadian, to our product tanker fleet,” says Algoma’s President & CEO Gregg Ruhl. “These additions introduce a new asset class to the segment, enhancing our operational capabilities and expanding the markets we serve. This milestone in our newbuild journey has been incredible to witness, made possible through our collaboration with Irving and the dedication and expertise of our operations team. Both vessels will be deployed immediately upon arrival in Saint John.”

The vessels will support Irving Oil’s unique operational requirements and will support the distribution of high-quality energy products to its valued customers in Canada and the U.S. The tweo tankers are too large to trade on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

“This investment underscores our company’s commitment to providing energy security in the regions where we operate,” says Irving Oil President & CEO Jeff Matthews. “We remain focused on providing a safe and secure supply of energy products to our customers, both today and tomorrow.”

Vessel highlights:

   Volume: 260,000 to 265,000 barrels (bbls)

    Products: Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel)

    Where: Vessel will primarily trade in Eastern Canada, with voyages to U.S. Atlantic Coast

    Construction timeline: Completion in approximately 10 months

    Boston Beam width of 27.4 metres

    Methanol ready as per ABS Notations – Methanol Fuel Ready Level 3(S), Methanol Fuel Ready Level 2D (TA, ME)

    High voltage and shore power (cold-ironing) ready – ABS Notation HVSC-Ready

    Enhanced ballasting capabilities to optimize operations in the Bay of Fundy

Scrapping begins on vintage tug James Whalen

THUNDER BAY, ON – On May 23, 2025, the iconic James Whalen tugboat, which has stood as a symbol of the city’s rich shipping heritage, began the process of being dismantled and scrapped after decades of faithful service and years of retirement.

Built in 1905, the James Whalen was a powerhouse of its time, constructed to navigate and manage the bustling waters of the Great Lakes. For much of its operational life, the James Whalen tugboat served as a steadfast workhorse in the Port of Thunder Bay, assisting ships in docking, navigating challenging weather, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods through one of Canada’s busiest inland ports.

Though retired from active service, the James Whalen found a new role as a beloved artifact of local history, sitting as a landmark and photo favorite for residents and visitors alike. However, years of exposure to the elements took their toll, and despite efforts to preserve her, scrapping the Whalen has become the final chapter.

Michael Hull