MONTREAL, Jan. 1, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - This afternoon at 2:59 p.m., the Atlantic Spirit was the first ocean-going vessel of 2021 to cross the Port of Montreal's downstream limit at Sorel without a stopover. True to a tradition dating back over 180 years, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is awarding the Gold-Headed Cane to its master, Captain Oleksandr Popov.

The Atlantic Spirit left the Port of Flushing in the Netherlands on December 18, 2020. Flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, this ABC Maritime shipping line tanker was carrying a cargo of refinery distillates (hydrocrack bottom) used as a feedstock for lubricants, headed for Vopak Terminals at Section 94 of the Port of Montreal.

Ukranian-born Captain Popov has served more than 30 years as master and four years with the ABC Maritime line.

The crossing, which was made in somewhat rough weather with strong winds and at times intense waves, took 14 days.

Due to the health restrictions in force during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gold-Headed Cane engraved with the name of the winning captain and the ship's name was awarded to him on the dock by Port of Montreal Harbour Master. The traditional Gold-Headed Cane awarding ceremony where the Montreal marine industry usually gathers will not take place due to the pandemic.

Info from.Newswires.ca