The roots of Island Tug and Barge go back seventy-five years. The company began in 1925 under the leadership of Harold B. Elworthy with the tug, Island Planet. Island Tug grew quickly with the acquisition of Gardner Towing in 1926, Young and Gore Towing in 1953, Victoria Tug in 1958, and Griffiths Steamship Company in 1961.


After a ten-year association with McAllister Towing Ltd. of Montreal, Island Tug joined with Vancouver Tug to form what is now Seaspan International Ltd. The name Island Tug and Barge Ltd. remained as an asset of Seaspan from 1970 until purchased by the Shields family in 1993.


Island Tug and Barge re-commenced operations with the tug, Pacific Force, jointly owned with Pacific Towing Services. Island Tug again grew very quickly through the purchase of Seatow Marine and Standard Towing. In 1999, expansion continued with the merger of sister company, International Tug and Barge Ltd.


Shields Navigation, also owned by the Shields family, was brought under the umbrella of Island Tug and Barge Ltd. in June 2000. Shields Navigation had served industry and communities along the Pacific coast since 1965, delivering fuel and deck cargoes.


Today, the main focus of operations concentrates on bulk fuel delivery, underwater cable installations, general towing, and barge services. "Our strength comes from within," says President, Captain Bob Shields, "employee involvement is encouraged and welcomed, and in all ways sets the tone for the image that the company portrays. Our goal is one of operational excellence and enthusiastic achievement".

Ocean Highway - 1967 Island Tug - The Begining Large File may take a while to download on slower connections. 48 meg zip file in PDF format. Or:... Click here to download a slideshow of the book. Ocean Highway Only 10 megs. May still be slow but well worth the wait.