The M/V Blacky (a Canfornav “duck boat”) is the winner of the 164th (2025) and 165th (2026) annual Port of Toronto Top Hat Ceremony, arriving first to kick off the shipping season. The ceremony, held in late March at Redpath Sugar, continues a 19th-century tradition where the captain receives a top hat. Sailing in from São Paulo, she delivered 19,300 metric tonnes of sugar on March 30, marking a strong start to the season. Captain Igor Baturin was presented with the top hat by RJ Steenstra (Ports Toronto President & CEO) and Harbour Master Michael Rieh. The ceremony was initiated to encourage early-season cargo delivery to Toronto, and the top hat now serves as a ceremonial symbol of welcoming the first captain.
Janey Anderson
Blacky in the Welland Canal. [File Photo – Bill Bird]
Blacky is carrying sugar from Brazil. [Janey Anderson]
Top Hat ceremony. [Janey Anderson]
