Port Metro Vancouver Welcomes Special Event for Major International Shipping Line

Rare Vessel Naming Ceremony for Grieg Star Shipping at Canada Place

VANCOUVER, Oct. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Port Metro Vancouver, government, industry partners and key members from Norway's Grieg Star Shipping gathered at Canada Place to hold a Naming Ceremony for the company's newest breakbulk vessel, the Star Lima. The ceremony is a special event in the marine industry.

"I am honoured to welcome Grieg Star's leadership team to Vancouver for this very special occasion, the christening of their newest vessel, the Star Lima," said Robin Silvester, President and CEO, Port Metro Vancouver. "Hosting the event at Canada Place recognizes the important relationship between Grieg Star and Port Metro Vancouver, and our mutual commitment to efficient and reliable operations."

"Grieg Star is proud and excited to be here with our partners in industry to celebrate the naming of this vessel. The Star Lima is the first ship of 10 forming part of the largest new ship building program in the history of the Grieg Group," said President and CEO of Grieg Star Shipping, Tom Rasmussen. "After more than 40 years of servicing this coast; Grieg Star is growing to better serve our partners to gain access to the markets they require. We continue to demonstrate our commitment to providing competitive break bulk services to Western Canada."

Grieg Star's modern fleet ships bulk metal and forest products through the Vancouver Gateway. As the newest addition to Grieg Star's fleet, the Star Lima demonstrates ongoing investment by Grieg Star in modern, specialized forest carrier vessels, since it began calling Port Metro Vancouver close to 50 years ago.

"Port Metro Vancouver's healthy export growth is clear proof that our government's partnerships and investments have helped make the Asia-Pacific Gateway the transportation link of choice between Canada and Asia," said the Honourable Ed Fast, Canada's Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway. "Grieg Star's investment in this new vessel is just another example of the economic benefits created by continuing to grow Canada's trade ties throughout the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region."

"As our government continues to grow trade with the Asia Pacific Region, it is world class companies like Grieg Star Shipping who help solidify the reputation of British Columbia as the Gateway of choice to Asia," said the Honourable Mary Polak, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. "We are seeing continued growth in demand for British Columbia's natural resources, like forestry products, in Asia. Thanks to Grieg Star for their commitment to excellence in transportation, British Columbia values your work as a critical part of our ongoing success."

The Star Lima is part of the most recent generation of open hatch vessels being designed for Grieg Star. Fitted with four special cranes, each capable of lifting 75 tonnes, the vessel offers flexibility to carry a variety of cargoes in addition to forest products and metals.

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified Port, trading $75 billion in goods annually with more than 160 nations, and generating 129,500 jobs nationally.

Grieg Star Shipping AS is a part of the privately held Grieg group of companies, located in Bergen Norway. The company owns and operates 26 open-hatch general cargo vessels and has a new building program involving the delivery of 12 new vessels by 2014.

SOURCE: Port Metro Vancouver

Media:
Barbara Joy-Kinsella, Media Relations
Port Metro Vancouver
Main 604-665-9267 cell 604-219-8250

Terry Koke
Vice President and General Manager, Grieg Star Vancouver
604-661-2000