MV FEDERAL CEDAR OPENS OCEAN-GOING SHIPPING IN PORT OF THUNDER BAY
The Marshall Islands-registered M.V. Federal Cedar became the first ocean-going “Salty” vessel to enter the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2021 navigation season.
The vessel berthed at the Richardson International Main Elevator Sunday morning, April 4, marking the earliest opening to saltwater vessel traffic at the Port in 5 years.
The vessel is loading 12,000 metric tonnes of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) Wheat for direct export to Puerto Rico.
The 5-year old Federal Cedar is owned and operated by Fednav, Canada’s largest ocean-going, dry-bulk shipowning and chartering group. The agent for the vessel is Thunder Bay Shipping Inc.
Federal Cedar Captain Pradeep Dattajirao Nalawade and Chief Engineer Kalyan Kumar Roy have earned the Port’s Top Hat Honours for 2021, however no ceremony will be held due to pandemic protocol.
The marine shipping industry continues to maintain measures to prevent potential spread of infection and enable the essential movement of food and supplies to consumers.
This years event was virtual with participants from across North America. Here are some key points from the event.
The 10.2 million tonnage at the Port of Thunder Bay last season was the highest since 1997. It was second highest number of ocean vessels at 157 in history of the Port. There were record canola shipments. Wheat shipments have surged and in 2020 wheat was up 34% over 2013. The Port of Thunder Bay is doing about 79% of all Manitoba grain shipments as well as Saskatchewan and Alberta grain.
The Port of Thunder Bay completed their terminal reconfiguration program which included rail upgrades and expansion, new lay down and paving and a 50,000 square foot heated building.The total project was $13.5 million with $ 6.5 million from the federal government and $ 1 million from NOHF. The remainder was from Port of Thunder Bay earnings.
The Port has seen other in bound cargo like structural pipe and rail from Europe. There has been fertilizer from Morocco and destined for Manitoba.