Katherine Bickford

The tug Ocean Golf, ex Helen M. McAllister in Hamilton, Ontario

Built in 1959, by P.K. Harris Limited of Appledore, England as the Stranton, the tug was not completed before it was acquired by McAllister Towing Limited.

In 1959, the incomplete hull was towed to Canada, where construction was completed at Sorel, Canada. Her hull was billed as the first “hydroconic” hull in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1959, the tug was completed by McAllister Towing Limited of Montreal of Montreal, Quebec. A subsidiary of the McAllister Brothers Towing Company of New York, New York. Where she was named as Helen M. McAllister.

McAllister Brothers Towing Company of New York had partnered with Sogemines of Belgium to assume towing operations in Montreal to coincide with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The company was in need new tugs as soon as possible.

In 1997, McAllister Towing Limited of Montreal was acquired by the Ocean Groupe Incorporated of Quebec, Canada. Where the tug was renamed as the Ocean Golf.

The tug underwent an extensive rebuild. She was fitted with a new wheelhouse that allowed for full 360 degree visibility. Originally a twin screw tug, rated at 1,200 horsepower. She was repowered with rebuilt, GM diesel engines. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 2,200 horsepower.

• Vessel Name: HELEN M. McALLISTER
• USCG Doc. No.: C311751
• Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
• IMO Number: 5146354
• Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted Registry
• Hull Material: STEEL
• Ship Builder: Harris, P. K., Ltd.
• Year Built: 1959
• Length: 96.1
• Hailing Port: MONTREAL

• Hull Depth: 11.7
• Hull Breadth: 25.9
• Gross Tonnage: 159
• Previous Vessel Names:
  Stranton, Helen M. McAllister
• Previous Vessel Owners:
  McAllister Towing of Montreal Ltd., McAllister Towing & Salvage Ltd.

The tug Molly M I in Hamilton, Ontario