The Fednav Group and Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) were both presented with coveted IBJ awards at a gala dinner organized by the International Bulk Journal, held at the Elysée Hotel in Hamburg. Fednav received the IBJ Award for Bulk Ship Operator of the Year, while CSL received the IBJ Award for Bulk Ship of the Year for its innovative Baie St. Paul self-unloading Laker.
The Fednav award highlights Fednav’s contribution to maritime trade, as well as its leadership in the implementation of higher industry operating standards including efficiency, environmental protection, and safety.
In 2012, Fednav took delivery of 11 new vessels and currently has 12 ice-class ships on order to delivery in 2013-2016, including one ice-breaking bulk carrier to service Canadian Royalties’ nickel and copper mine in the Canadian Arctic, and six Lakes-suitable vessels designed to consume less fuel, reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent, and maximize cargo intake.
Suzanne Bleau-Myrand, Director of Marketing for Fednav, proudly accepted the Bulk Ship Operator of the Year award, a prize that exemplifies the dedication and hard work of the Group’s management and employees. It is the second time since the inception of the IBJ awards in 2009 that Fednav has received this prize. That year, Fednav’s MV Umiak I won the Bulk Ship of the Year award. Last year, Fednav Chairman, Laurence Pathy, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Baie St. Paul, CSL’s first of four new Trillium Class self-unloading Lakers was honoured with the prestigious 2012 Bulk Ship of the Year Award.
Presented to the year’s most outstanding individual bulk ship or newly built vessel, the award recognizes the operational efficiency, design innovation, and superior safety and environmental features that set the Baie St. Paul apart from other vessels.
“It is with great pride that CSL accepts this award on behalf of its dedicated design and newbuild teams who, with their creativity, talent and dedication, helped deliver our exceptional vessel,” remarked Louis Martel, President of Canada Steamship Lines. “As CSL prepares to welcome the Baie St. Paul into the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway market, this award underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence and to providing our customers with the most advanced bulk shipping solutions.”
The Baie St. Paul docked in Montreal on December 1, after having departed from the Chenxgi shipyard in Jiangyin on October 5. The vessel is currently undergoing alterations to remove the temporary reinforcing structures that had been installed to enable her ocean voyage. Following these alterations, the Baie St. Paul will be put into service immediately.