By Errol Francis
On Friday, March 22, Cyprus-registered M/V Barnacle became the first ocean-going “saltie” to enter the port of Toronto during the 2012 navigation season, arriving at the Redpath terminal, carrying a cargo of 19,350 tonnes of raw sugar from Corinto, Nicaragua. This cargo represented the first lifting under a new 3-year contract.
A vessel from Canfornav’s fleet has been the first “saltie” to call at the port during each of the past four shipping seasons. Built in China, the M/V Barnacle was delivered to Canfornav in July 2009. Since delivery, she has completed 27 voyages, of which 12 have been to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence.
The vessel is commanded by Captain Yuri Bodrov of the Ukraine. Yuri took command and delivery of Canfornav’s first new-build in 2002 and was proud to add another feather to his cap by having the distinction of being in command of the first ocean-going vessel to call at Toronto, to open the 2012 navigation season.
Captain Yuri Bodrov and Chief Engineer Andriy Bondar were welcomed to the City in an on-board traditional and historical “Beaver-Hat” ceremony, the origins of which date back to 1861, by Angus Amstrong, Harbour Master, on behalf of Toronto Port Authority. The ceremony was followed by a reception that was attended by several Redpath employees and guests, who were pleased to be given guided tours of the ship.
As part of Canfornav’s present fleet of 33 ocean-going vessels, 28 of which are suitable to trade in the St. Lawrence Seaway, the M/V Barnacle is a prime example of Canfornav’s commitment to its customers, agents and the ports they call on, providing modern bulk carriers for trading in this environmentally sensitive region.
With a continuing new-build program, active participation in environmental initiatives, its long-standing relationships and history in the Great Lakes, Canfornav is dedicated to continuing this tradition well into the future.
The M/V Barnacle also became the first ocean-going “saltie” vessel to enter the port of Thunder Bay during the 2012 navigation season, arriving at 8 a.m. on April 1.
The vessel took on a total of 19,600 tonnes of grain destined for San Juan, Puerto Rico.
