At 10:15 a.m. on January 1, the Byzantion became the first ocean-going vessel of 2026 to cross the Port of Montreal’s boundary waters at Sorel without making any prior stops. In keeping with a tradition dating back more than 185 years, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) today presented its prestigious Gold-headed Cane to Captain Andrejs Kuharenoks.
Departing from the port of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the Byzantion completed an 11-day transatlantic crossing, a remarkable feat in the middle of winter in the North Atlantic. During the last four days, the crew had to contend with sustained winds, gusts reaching 50 knots, and impressive swells reaching up to 10 meters. Flying the Marshall Islands flag, the tanker docked at Pier 109, operated by Suncor, where it is currently unloading its cargo. The ship will set sail again tomorrow, January 3, bound for a U.S. port.
The arrival of this first ship of the year illustrates the strategic importance of liquid bulk for the Port of Montreal. In 2024, this sector accounted for nearly 40% of total tonnage handled, a proportion that is expected to remain stable in 2025. Despite the volatility of global markets, it has shown remarkable stability, with more than 12 million tons handled annually for the past eight years.
Captain Andrejs Kuharenoks: a first time in Montreal
Originally from Latvia, Captain Andrejs Kuharenoks said he was honored to receive this distinction during his first career stopover in Montreal. He emphasized that he will cherish the memory of this ceremony and that this honor will reflect well on the entire crew. As a former deck officer, he always knew he wanted to devote his career to the sea, motivated by the daily challenges, the responsibilities of command, and the demands of life on board. He has been a captain since 2005.
The gold-headed cane, engraved with the captain’s name and that of his ship, was presented to him this morning by Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, during a ceremony held aboard the Byzantion.
The Montreal Port Authority would also like to acknowledge the work of Central St. Lawrence Corporation pilots Patrick Fortin and Donald Morin, who guided the ship safely to port.
“It is always a powerful symbolic moment to welcome the first ship of the year to the Port of Montreal. The Byzantion marks the start of a new season, at a time when maritime transport is set to play an increasingly important role in Canada’s economic exchanges. This first ship also reminds us that we are a great maritime nation, connected to the world by the St. Lawrence River. I would like to pay special tribute to the work of Captain Kuharenoks and his crew, and I am honored to continue this tradition, which has been part of Montreal’s maritime history for over 185 years,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.
About the tradition of the Gold-Headed Cane
The Gold-Headed Cane is presented to the captain of the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without stopping at the beginning of the new year. Until 1964, the Gold-Headed Cane was presented in the spring to encourage the resumption of shipping, as Montreal was cut off from the world during the long winter months. Since the advent of icebreakers, which allow year-round navigation, the cane has been presented to the captain of the first ocean-going vessel to reach the port without stopping at the beginning of each year, a trophy coveted by captains from many countries.
(Photos from MPA)