A sure sign of spring’s arrival, the first international ship of the 2024 shipping season has arrived at the Port of Toronto. Early today, PortsToronto “crowned” Captain Sergiy Kobylyashnyy of the MV Wigeon with an antique top hat – first presented in the spring of 1861– at the annual Top Hat Ceremony.
For the past 163 years, PortsToronto has celebrated the official opening of the commercial shipping season by crowning the captain of the first ocean-going vessel or “saltie” to arrive at the port.
The Port of Toronto had another strong year in 2023, moving 2.3 million metric tonnes of bulk and general cargo products and welcoming a record 45 cruise ships and nearly 18,000 visitors to Toronto.
The Port of Toronto’s consecutive year of strong performance in marine imports and cruise ship activity highlights the important role the Port plays in Toronto’s economy for tourism, trade and construction.
Overall, 189 cargo vessels visited the Port of Toronto in 2023, delivering a range of bulk, project and general cargo products totalling 2,311,616 million metric tonnes. In addition, 2023 was the second consecutive record year for the Port of Toronto’s Cruise Ship Terminal business.
The year 2024 will usher in another strong cruise ship season, with 36 ships expected to call between May and October, bringing nearly 18,000 passengers to Toronto to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Photo: PortsToronto President and CEO RJ Steenstra “crowned” Captain Sergiy Kobylyashnyy of the MV Wigeon with an antique top hat)
