Algoma Central Corporation has officially introduced the first of two newly built product tankers intended for service in partnership with Irving Oil, supporting deliveries from Canada’s largest refinery to Atlantic Canadian ports and the U.S. East Coast.
The first vessel, Algoma East Coast, arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick on April 28 after completing inspections and securing Canadian registry certification. The second vessel, Algoma Acadian, is currently en route through the Indian Ocean and is expected to complete certification and registry later this spring.
Both ships were constructed at Hyundai Mipo Shipyard in South Korea, representing a joint investment of approximately C$127 million (US$92 million) by Algoma Central and Irving Oil.
“These additions introduce a new asset class to the segment, enhancing our operational capabilities and expanding the markets we serve,” noted Gregg Ruhl, President and CEO of Algoma Central.
Algoma currently operates a fleet of 96 vessels, with 11 additional builds underway. Its dry and liquid bulk carriers play a critical role in supporting industrial supply chains across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Region and in global trade. The company maintains the largest dry-bulk fleet operating in the Seaway system.
The new product tankers, rated at 37,000 DWT and certified for ice-class operations, are replacing two older vessels under long-term charter to Irving Oil. They will transport gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products primarily from Saint John to ports such as Halifax, Charlottetown, and St. John’s, with the flexibility to serve destinations including U.S. Atlantic Coast ports, Quebec, and Montreal. Each ship has a loading capacity of approximately 260,000 to 265,000 barrels.
Designed with future-readiness in mind, both tankers feature an ABS “Methanol Fuel Ready” notation and are equipped for high-voltage shore power connections. Enhanced ballasting systems have also been incorporated to optimize performance during operations within the challenging tidal conditions of the Bay of Fundy.
