MONTREAL, Jan. 1, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - By crossing the Port of Montreal's downstream limits at Sorel at 00:06 a.m., the Bermuda flagged Valencia Express became the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2015.
The Valencia Express, under the command of Captain Anuj Kararia, is a container ship operated by the shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, represented in Montreal by agents Robert Reford. The Valencia Express had left the Port of Lisbon in Portugal on December 22nd, 2014.
Captain Kararia will receive the Gold-Headed Cane during an official ceremony on Monday, January 5. 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 176th 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 1,356,810 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2013, representing 11,896,671 tonnes of cargo. The port also handled 9,549,933 tonnes of liquid bulk, 3,912,531 tonnes of dry bulk and 2,638,159 tonnes of grain in 2013. Total cargo-handling volumes reached 28,156,971 million tonnes in 2013.
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 69,966 passengers and crew members in 2013. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.
Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs annually.
SOURCE Montreal Port Authority
Image with caption: "The Montreal Port Authority CEO, Mrs. Sylvie Vachon, congratulates Captain Anuj Kararia of the Valencia Express vessel who wins the 2015 Gold-Headed Cane. (CNW Group/Montreal Port Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150101_C4502_PHOTO_EN_9893.jpg
Image with caption: "The Valencia Express was the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2015. (CNW Group/Montreal Port Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150101_C4502_PHOTO_EN_9889.jpg
SOURCE: Ms. Sophie Roux, Director of Communications, Montreal Port Authority, [email protected], For information : Control Center, 514 283-7022
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