Saga-Fjord_04282013_4189_webVANCOUVER, Wash.—The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the Saga Fjord commanded by Capt. K. K. Chandnani of India on her maiden voyage to the United States on April 28, 2013. This is the captain’s 15th maiden voyage over the course of his career, and we wish him well as he celebrates his birthday this week.

Chandnani, and his 22-member Indian crew were welcomed to Vancouver by ACGI Shipping Inc., Ports America, and representatives from the Port of Vancouver USA. John Cross, Port Captain for Saga, was present at the vessel plaque presentation as well.

The Saga Fjord is the fifth in a series of eight new build vessels to be delivered from Japan and Korea between November 2012 and November 2013. The vessel is classified as an open hatch box hold that is capable of traveling worldwide.

In addition, the vessel has the ability to use shore side electrical power while at berth, minimizing air pollution. Advanced ballast water treatment systems were installed, and all fuel tanks were protected with cofferdams toward the sea to provide extra protection against fuel spills, among other sustainable features.

 The Saga Fjord was built in Korea and launched in January, 2013. The vessel is 656 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 55,596.4 metric tons, one of the largest of its kind ever to dock at the Port of Vancouver. The vessel is owned by Saga Shipholding AS of Norway and operated by Saga Forest Carriers Intl. The agent for the vessel is ACGI Shipping of Vancouver, WA.

Before docking at the Port of Vancouver, the Saga Fjord sailed from Kaohsiung, Taiwan to Incheon and Ulsan in Korea before discharging steel in Vancouver, B.C. The ship unloaded 7,909 metric tons of steel products at the Port of Vancouver before ultimately traveling to Los Angeles and onwards to Europe with bulk and break bulk products.

Photo from left to right: Paul DeBolt, Superintendent for Marine Terminals Corporation; Mark Savage, Mike Schiller, Joel Savage, Port of Vancouver USA; Captain Chandnani; Randy Click, Regional Vice President of the Columbia River Office, ACGI Shipping Inc; John Cross, Port Captain for Saga Forest Carriers

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The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.