Montreal Transportation Co. (1918)

Background: The Montreal Transportation Co. was a major operator in shipping and towing across the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. Known for managing an extensive fleet, the company played a key role in regional trade.

• W.S. Carkin  was a wooden canal tug, integral to maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Designed for towing and maneuvering larger vessels through ports, harbours, and canals, the tug featured a single screw propulsion system powered by a modest 1-cylinder engine. This type of vessel was crucial during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and ships.
• David G. Thomson was a wooden lake tug, notable for its robust construction and role in towing coal and grain barges on Lake Ontario. It was initially launched on June 25, 1883, in Kingston by R. Robertson. The tug featured a round stern design and was equipped with engines taken from the tug CHAMPION, providing a total of 200 rated horsepower. In 1892, the tug underwent significant modifications, including the installation of a new fore and aft compound engine and boiler, boosting its power to 400 indicated horsepower and 200 rated horsepower.
• William A. Haskell: Later renamed Joyland under Montreal Transportation Co., it served similar purposes in bulk freight.
• William J. Averell: Renamed Oatland under Montreal Transportation Co., it too was dedicated to bulk cargo transport.

Legacy: This marked a period of financial prosperity for the tug, with the Montreal Transportation Co. contributing to its continued active service.