MIRELLA S AWARDED 2021 GOLD-HEADED CANE

Québec City, Saturday, January 2, 2021 – The Québec Port Authority (QPA) is pleased to perpetuate one of the greatest traditions in the history of Québec City’s maritime and commercial industry by awarding the gold-headed cane to Captain Ivan Pauk of the vessel MIRELLA S.

The prestigious trophy was presented this morning, in strict compliance with all public health guidelines in effect due to the pandemic. Mario Girard, QPA president and CEO, presented the gold-headed cane to Captain Ivan Pauk, who is Russian. MIRELLA S is the 186th ship to receive this honour in a Port of Québec tradition dating back to 1835.

The ship, which arrived at 8:10 a.m. on January 1, was the first ocean-going vessel from a foreign port to berth and unload cargo at the Port of Québec in the new year. This tanker flying the flag of Barbados docked in Section 50 of the Beauport port facility. Arriving from Perth Amboy in New Jersey, the ship came to the Port of Québec to deliver a cargo of methanol, originally loaded in Trinidad and Tobago, to the liquid bulk terminal operated by IMTT Québec Inc. It is slated to set sail for Point Lisas, Trinidad and Tobago, at the end of the day on January 2. The methanol transported is mainly used as a solvent for the production of resins, polymers, and dyes, and to produce cholesterol, vitamins, hormones, and many other pharmaceutical products. It is also used as an antifreeze ingredient in winter windshield washer fluid and radiator fluids and as a liquid fuel for camping stoves and fondue pots.

The St. Lawrence is a challenging river to navigate, especially at this time of year when weather conditions can be difficult. Crews need to draw on multiple areas of expertise. The vessel was able to reach the Port of Québec and dock safely thanks to the extensive teamwork of numerous players in the maritime community who helped with safety, security, logistics, piloting, navigation, towing, and berthing. QPA would like to hail and highlight the outstanding work of everyone involved in maritime and port operations.

The Québec Port Authority is an autonomous federal agency constituted under the Canada Marine Act. Some 1,000 ships of all kinds put in at the port’s docks every year. The various goods transiting through the port are worth $15 to $20 billion, making the Port of Québec a strategic player in Canada’s foreign trade. The Port of Québec is a maritime hub that generates over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Québec City region according to the latest KPMG/SECOR study.

– 30 –

Source:
Frédéric Lagacé
Québec Port Authority
Tel.: 418-929-5031
[email protected]