Algonova (1969)

Algonova (1969) was a Canadian-built single-hulled oil tanker originally launched as Texaco Chief in 1969. Over its long career, the vessel underwent multiple ownership and name changes, serving as A.G. Farquharson, Algonova, Pacifico Trader, and most recently Great Portobello, under Panamanian registry. Built by Collingwood Shipbuilding in Ontario, Canada, the ship operated extensively in the Great Lakes, the Saint Lawrence River, and along the eastern Canadian seaboard, before later transitioning into international service.

Table of Contents

Design

The vessel was initially conceived as a crane ship for Yankcanuck Steamships Ltd., but the design was abandoned mid-construction and repurposed into a single-hulled oil tanker.

Length (overall): 400 ft 6 in (122.1 m)
Length (between perpendiculars): 369 ft 9 in (112.7 m)
Beam: 54 ft 2 in (16.5 m)
Depth of hold: 26 ft 5 in (8.1 m)
Gross register tonnage (as built): 5,038 GRT
Deadweight tonnage (as built): 6,538 DWT

The tanker was constructed with an ice knife and initially rated Lloyd’s Ice Class 2, enabling safe navigation in icy waters, though this rating was later discontinued.

Propulsion:

2 × Fairbanks Morse 12-38D8-1/8, 12-cylinder diesel engines
Total output: 2,000 bhp (1,491 kW)
Single controllable-pitch propeller
1 × 350 hp (261 kW) bow thruster
Speed: 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph)

Capacity: 54,241 barrels (8,623.6 m³) of oil.

Under current tonnage reassessment, the ship is listed at 4,605 GRT and 6,996 DWT.

Service History

Texaco Chief (1969–1986)

The vessel was launched on 10 April 1969 as Texaco Chief for Texaco Canada Ltd. It primarily transported petroleum products across the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

7 December 1969: Collided with MV Petite Hermine near Prescott, Ontario, during fog. The ship sustained minor damage and was repaired at Canadian Vickers in Montreal.
4 December 1972: Ran aground near Ogdensburg, New York, but escaped without damage.

A.G. Farquharson (1986–1998)

In 1986, Texaco renamed the ship A.G. Farquharson after a former Texaco Canada president and CEO. The vessel remained in petroleum transport service until 1995, when ownership transferred to Imperial Oil. She was laid up in Halifax, Nova Scotia in October 1996.

Algonova (1998–2006)

In early 1998, Algoma Central’s subsidiary, Algoma Tankers Limited, purchased the vessel and renamed her Algonova. She mainly operated between Sarnia and Thunder Bay, transporting petroleum products.

By 2005, new international maritime regulations mandating double-hulled tankers restricted her operation in North American ports. A new double-hulled replacement, also named Algonova, entered service in 2008.

Pacifico Trader (2007–2012)

In 2006, the vessel was sold to Belgrave Investors Corporation, registered in Panama, and renamed Pacifico Trader. From January 2007, she operated in Panama as a bunker supply ship.

Great Portobello (2012–present)

In 2012, the tanker was acquired by Helmer Business Incorporated of Panama City and renamed Great Portobello. She remains active under Panamanian registry as of the 2010s.