Gold-headed cane awarded to first vessel to enter Port of Montreal
MONTREAL, QC – The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has welcomed the first ocean-going
vessel of the year to reach the city’s port with its annual gold-headed cane ceremony.
The event celebrates the first ship to cross the Port of Montreal’s downstream limit at Sorel
without a stopover. This year, the prize was given to the Helena G and its master Eduard
Voshchuk.
The ship sailed from Bulgaria’s Port of Burgas on Dec. 12, 2023 and arrived in Montreal on Jan.2, 2024 at 7:17 a.m. The Helena G, flying the flag of Portugal, was carrying gold and pyrite and
ended its journey at the Port of Montreal’s berth 43, operated by Logistec.
It was a great pleasure for us to present this year’s gold-headed cane to Captain Voshchuk,
master of the first ship to cross the limits of the Port of Montreal’s waters this year, said MPA
Interim President and CEO Geneviève Deschamps. Carrying gold to the Port of Montreal, some
would say that the Helena G was predestined to receive this prestigious honour.
Captain Voshchuk, who is of Ukrainian origin and began sailing at the age of 18, received the
gold-headed cane for the first time. He comes from a family of sailors and says sailing allows
him to visit different countries and interact with their people. This is his second visit to
Montreal.
Deschamps welcomed the captain with bread and salt, a tradition from Montreal’s Ukrainian
community. This reminds us of the resilience of the Ukrainian community, which, despite the
war, contributes to the smooth running of the international maritime industry, said
Deschamps.
The gold-headed cane is inscribed with the name of the winning captain and the ship’s name.
This year marks the 185th anniversary of the ceremony, a tradition that the MPA boasts
commemorates Montreal’s rich maritime heritage. The Helena G is expected to set sail in a few
days for Quebec City.
CTV News
Duluth shipping season ends on a warm note
DULUTH, MN – While the warm weather may be a bad for many Northland businesses, our port
is benefitting. This year’s shipping season is going to end on a much warmer note. The season
began in March and will end on January 5th.
Jayson Hron, The Director of Communication and Marketing at the Duluth Seaway Port
Authority, says the mild temperatures and lack of ice make the end of the season much
smoother. “It’s been a good season,” said Hron. “This is definitely a record-breaking year in
terms of the latest ocean departure and also the earliest ocean arrival.”
More than 650 ships have moved through the Port of Duluth-Superior this season.
“The only impact from the warm weather has been a lack of ice,” said Hron. “Which means that
the ships are able to sail at full speed, unimpeded by the ice.”
Due to the warm weather, Hron says they’ve decided to make a few last-minute changes.
“Seaway management decided in November to announce that it would have its latest closure
date in history this year,” said Hron.
The ships will also be able to travel through the Soo Locks at a much faster speed. “To have this
extension to the shipping season and to keep the ships moving,” said Hron. “Not only the
Lakers, which we commonly see move through the middle of January, but the Salties as well.”
As the season comes to an end, Hron is grateful to end on such a high note. “This is definitely a
record-breaking year in terms of the latest ocean departure and also the earliest ocean arrival,”
said Hron.
Northern News Now
‘Tis the Season for the Winter Lay-up List
You can monitor our annual lay-up listing page here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2023-2024/
The page will be updated throughout the winter. Please send lay-up reports to news@boatnerd.net.
