{"id":6482,"date":"2026-01-03T15:22:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T20:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.portquebec.ca\/?p=6482"},"modified":"2026-01-03T15:22:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T20:22:38","slug":"an-enduring-tradition-the-port-of-quebec-welcomes-its-first-ship-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.portquebec.ca\/en\/news\/an-enduring-tradition-the-port-of-quebec-welcomes-its-first-ship-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"AN ENDURING TRADITION: THE PORT OF QU\u00c9BEC WELCOMES ITS FIRST SHIP OF THE YEAR"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Qu\u00e9bec City,<\/strong> January\u00a03, 2026 \u2014 <\/strong>The Port of Qu\u00e9bec launched its maritime year today with the arrival of the first ocean-going vessel of 2026. This marks the start of a new cycle of activities for the port community. The MV Mayaro, hailing from Chesapeake (USA), docked at wharf\u00a050 in the morning, under the command of Captain Leroy J. Enguerra, who will be receiving this year\u2019s gold-headed cane\u2014an emblematic distinction in Qu\u00e9bec port history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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A Symbolic Ceremony for the Maritime World<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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A highly anticipated event takes place at the start of each new year: the presentation of the gold-headed cane to the captain of the first international ship to arrive. This tradition, with its roots in almost two\u00a0centuries of history, highlights Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s distinctive role in St.\u00a0Lawrence navigation and honours the skill of the sailors who brave winter conditions to reach port.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t

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Welcoming the first ship of the year serves as a reminder of just how closely the Port of Qu\u00e9bec is linked to maritime life, with all the trades and heritage that brings. This tradition highlights the discipline and coordination of all those involved in keeping the river navigable and efficient, even in the depths of winter.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t