Top Hat Ceremony welcomes arrival of first ship to dock in Goderich this spring

Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet (right) presents Captain Abhijit Menon (centre) of the Federal Asahi with a care package from the Town of Goderich.

Goderich Council members gathered at the harbour on March 31 to celebrate the first ship to dock in Goderich’s port.

Each spring the Top Hat Ceremony takes place, a ceremonial tradition dating back to 1932.

On March 31 the Federal Asahi was welcomed as the first ship to dock at Goderich Port under the command of Captain Abhijit Menon, who had the honour of signing the inside of the ceremonial Top Hat.

The Federal Asahi is a bulk carrier built in 2000, transporting 23,000 mt of corn from Goderich.

According to the Town of Goderich, this shipment plays a crucial part in supporting local industries and economic activities.

“We are delighted to welcome the Federal Asahi to Goderich as the first vessel of the season,” said Mayor Trevor Bazinet.

“This tradition not only celebrates our maritime heritage but also underscores the importance of the shipping industry to our town’s economy and community development.”

According to the Town, the Port of Goderich is the only deepwater port on the east shore of Lake Huron.

The port services regional mining, manufacturing, aggregates and agricultural industries, and is an important hub of commercial shipping in southwestern Ontario.

The Port of Goderich facilitates the movement of goods, which is a crucial element for the town’s economic sustainability and growth.

Connecting Goderich to both national and international markets, the port also enhances the region’s transportation network.

For more information about the Port of Goderich and the Goderich Port Management Corporation (GPMC) visit www.goderichport.ca/Port_Corporation