First Vessel of the Next Century

On the morning of the Port of Vancouver USA’s 100^th birthday, Vancouver Mayor Timothy Leavitt joined Port of Vancouver Commission President Nancy Baker and other special guests for a 100-foot climb to the top deck of the M/V Rigel Leader, a 656-foot car carrier docked at the port’s Terminal 4. The group welcomed Capt. David Mammen Cherian of India as the ship made its maiden voyage to the United States on April 6, 2012.

The M/V Rigel Leader brought nearly 700 Subaru automobiles from Japan to the port, which will be transported by rail and truck to dealerships throughout the western half of the United States. The Port of Vancouver is one of just two West Coast ports of entry for Subaru America, Inc.

After watching men and women from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 4, skillfully and quickly drive the automobiles off the giant ship and onto the port terminal, the group of special visitors was met with smiling faces and unmatched hospitality inside the vessel.

Also honored as the port’s “First Vessel of the Next Century,” the M/V Rigel Leader was the first ship to call on the Port of Vancouver as it began its second 100 years.

Small gift bags were presented, photos were taken, and Capt. Cherian and several of his 23-member crew toured the visitors through the ship, pointing out an impressive array of marine technology.  Included in the group were port manager for Subaru America Ann Tetreault, superintendent for Ports America Mike Munson, and port manager for Inchcape Shipping Services Gary Martinke.

The M/V Rigel Leader was built in Marugame, Japan and departed for North America on March 8, 2012. The crew for the vessel’s maiden voyage was from India and the Philippines.

Welcoming international vessels to the United States is just one of the many ways the Port of Vancouver participates in the ever-changing and always fascinating world of global trade.

 

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