Sept-Îles, January 12, 2026 — At 4:56 a.m. on January 2, 2026, the Golden Frigo became the very first vessel to enter the waters of the Port of Sept-Îles in 2026.
The Golden Frigo is a Panamax bulk carrier flying the Belgian flag. Arriving from the port of IJmuiden in the Netherlands, it will continue on to the port of Djen Djen, Algeria, carrying a cargo of iron ore from Rio Tinto IOC.
As tradition dictates, a 39th ceremonial cane topped with a pommel made of aluminum and iron ore was presented to Captain Oleksandr Kryvoruchenko during a ceremony held at the Mishtanapeu Atshapi pavilion, in the presence of representatives from the Port of Sept-Îles, Rio Tinto IOC, and the City of Sept-Îles.
The official presentation of the cane highlights the arrival of the first vessel of the year to anchor in the waters of the Port of Sept-Îles, underscores the strategic importance of port activities to the community and the regional economy, and above all marks the beginning of a new year of navigation. It also pays tribute to the invaluable work of seafarers, pilots, and captains around the world, who sometimes operate under challenging conditions to ensure the safe delivery of goods.
About the Port of Sept-Îles’ Unique Cane
In 2012, the composition of the traditional ceremonial cane was redesigned to showcase the region’s emblematic resources. Inspired by a three-dimensional version of the Port of Sept-Îles logo, this polished and anodized aluminum cane symbolizes the blue highway. Its pommel contains a fragment of iron ore, whose shine is reflected in a half-sphere of acrylic. The seven stars representing the seven islands of the bay are meticulously reproduced in 10-karat gold.
About the Port of Sept-Îles
With its diversified and high-performance facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the largest mineral port in North America, with an anticipated volume of more than 40 million tonnes in 2026. It is also recognized as the leading port terminal for the primary aluminum industry in the Americas. Playing a strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada, the Port of Sept-Îles is also a pioneer in sustainable development, notably through the implementation of the first environmental monitoring observatory on the St. Lawrence River and a research chair with Université Laval dedicated to coastal ecosystems and port activities.
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Source:
Frédérick Tétreault
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Port of Sept-Îles
Tel.: 418-965-3764
ftetreault@portsi.com