Montreal Welcomes 2016 Shipping Season Start

MONTREAL – BUSINESS – By crossing the Port of Montreal’s downstream limits at Sorel at 05:21 a.m., the Marshall Islands flagged Vigorous became the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2016.

The Vigorous, under the command of Captain Jun Eric Aljo Dalipe, is a a bulk carrier vessel operated by Vigorous Shipping and trading Co., represented in Montreal by the agent McLean Kennedy Inc. The Vigorous had left the port of Sohar, Oman on November 30, 2015.

Captain Jun Eric Aljo Dalipe will receive the Gold-Headed Cane during an official ceremony on Monday, January 4. The Port presents the trophy at the beginning of each New Year to the captain of the first ship to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover. This ceremony will mark the 177th anniversary of this great maritime world tradition.

About the Port of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods – containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world.

The Port of Montreal handled 30,445,984 million tonnes in 2014.The Port of Montreal has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 71,044 passengers and crew members in 2014. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.

Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic spin-offs annually.