New Breed For Canadian Product Flows

Representing a total capital investment of C$127m (US$97m), the vessels have been contracted from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), one of the world’s most prolific constructors of handysize tankers. Deliveries are anticipated during the opening quarter of 2025.

The particular demands of the prospective sailing region reflect in specification to ice class 1B criteria and in the nomination of enhanced ballasting capabilities, to optimise operations in the Bay of Fundy, where the tidal range is the highest worldwide, with very powerful semi-diurnal tides. The hull lines and geometry, including 27.4m ‘Boston’ width, should also contribute to efficient, seakindly performance in rough conditions.

The design engineering features future provision both for operation on methanol fuel and for drawing electrical energy from the landside grid when berthed. The array of ABS class notations will thereby include Methanol Fuel Ready Level 2D (TA, ME), referring to the detail design review as concerns the fuel storage tank arrangements and main engine, and Methanol Fuel Ready Level 3(S), alluding to installation and hull structural reinforcement for the methanol fuel tank. The preparation for cold-ironing, through a high-voltage shore connection, will be signified by the society’s HVSC-Ready notation.

Headquartered in St Catherines, Ontario, Algoma Central owns and operates the largest fleet of self-unloading and gearless bulkers and product tankers operating throughout the Great Lakes/St Lawrence Seaway system and Atlantic Canada region as well as deep-sea vessels.

“With this investment, we will augment our fleet with a new asset class, expand the markets served by our product tankers segment, and add an important new Canadian customer to our business,” observed Gregg Ruhl, Algoma’s president and CEO. “These vessels have been designed to support Irving Oil’s unique operational requirements and with a view towards optimising the carbon requirements in these trades, now and in the future, possessing optionality for future methanol and shore power capabilities.”

Earlier this year, in conjunction with Montreal-based CSL, the company entered into a contract with Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding Co (YAMIC) of China for a series of four methanol-ready Kamsarmax self-unloading bulkers. The 72,250dwt design, exceeding EEDI level III requirements and powered by Tier III propulsion machinery, promises a 40% advance in efficiency over the vessels to be replaced in the pool run by Algoma and CSL.

Besides the Saint John complex, Canada’s largest refinery, Irving Oil’s interests span a network of distribution terminals across eastern Canada and New England, and also Ireland’s only refinery, in County Cork at Whitegate.