Port of Vancouver USA Welcomes First Vessel of The Next Century – MV Rigel Leader

Port of Vancouver USA representatives and other special guests climbed 100 feet to the top deck of the M/V Rigel Leader on the port’s 100-year anniversary to welcome the ship, commanded by Capt. David Mammen Cherian of India, on her maiden voyage to the United States on April 6, 2012.

In addition, the event also commemorated the M/V Rigel Leader as the Port of Vancouver’s First Vessel of the Next Century. The ceremony following the annual state-of-the-port event marked the M/V Rigel Leader as the first ship to call on the Port of Vancouver during it second 100 years.

The M/V Rigel Leader was built in Marugame, Japan and was delivered March 8, 2012. The vessel is 656 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 18,884 tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA was from India and the Philippines. The vessel is owned by FPG Shipholding Panama 5 S.A. and operated by NYK Ship Management. Inchcape Shipping Services is the agent for the vessel.

The M/V Rigel Leader sailed from Marugame, Japan and will discharge 5,120 vehicles during her journey. The vessel departed the Port of Vancouver on April 6 and will unload motor vehicles in Richland and San Diego before starting her second voyage.

Cherian and his 23-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Mayor Timothy Leavitt, Vancouver port manager for Subaru Ann Tetreault, superintendent for Ports America Mike Munson, vessel agent for Inchcape Shipping Services Gary Martinke, and port representatives Commissioner Nancy Baker, Executive Director Larry Paulson, Alastair Smith, Debbie Taylor, Mike Schiller, Addison Jacobs, Theresa Wagner, Katie Odem, and Mackenzie Field.

Chief Engineer K. Raghuram, Chief Officer Pradeep Mansabdar, First Assistant Engineer P.P. Jathar and Mitsubishi representative Tetsuya Yamada were present as well.

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Source: Port of Vancouver USA, April 19, 2012