![The Federal Spey, inbound from Brazil with a load of Sugar arrived in Montreal on January 1st.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Federal-Spey-First-Ship-at-Port-of-Montreal-2014.jpg)
Port of Montreal Celebrates First Saltie
MONTREAL – Transportation – The 2014 shipping season on the St. Lawrence Seaway is underway. The Marshall Island flagged Federal Spey became the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2014. The Federal Spey crossed the Port of Montreal’s downstream limits at Sorel at 2:02PM
The Federal Spey, under the command of Captain Vijayendra Gurukant Chodankar, is a bulk carrier (full of bulk sugar) operated by shipping line Fednav International, represented in Montreal by agents Fednav Ltd.
![Captain Vijayendra Gurukant Chodankar and Ms Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of Montreal Port Authority. Captain Chodankar will be awarded the 2014 Gold-Headed Cane on January 3 during an official ceremony to be held at Montreal Port Authority Headquarters. - Photo Montreal Port Authority](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Federal-Spey-Captain-on-New-Years-Day.jpg)
The Federal Spey had left the Port of the Port of Maceió in Brazil on December 14.
Captain Vijayendra Gurukant Chodankar will receive the Gold-Headed Cane during an official ceremony on Friday, January 3, 2014.
The Port presents the trophy at the beginning of each New Year to the captain of the first ship to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover. This very special ceremony will mark the 175th anniversary of this great maritime world tradition, as well as the 50th anniversary of year-round navigation on the St. Lawrence River to Montreal.