Big, Sincere Welcome for Barbro G and Crew; First Saltie of 2024

Official "spring" for port community.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is a welcome that never gets old. Tuesday, the first ocean-going vessel of the season received heart-felt greetings on a windy, wet and gray day.

Inside the ship’s bridge, it was warmth and smiles as the captain and crew of the Barbro G were presented with everything Duluth and Superior.

That included an endless flow of gifts to eat, drink, read, and wear for Captain Borys Smyrnov and crew.

“There is also some lovely coffee from Duluth. Now I know you guys like coffee, and a couple other treats,” said Deb DeLuca, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” said the Captain, followed by applause and a polite bow.

It was soon followed by others presenting a sweatshirt, local magazines, lots of chocolate, maple syrup, and a ball cap with ‘Duluth” on it.

Everything was presented with appreciation, laughter, and well wishes for safe travel.

Last season the Barbro G was actually the last saltie to exit through the Soo Locks at year’s end.

Its 19-member crew then made stops in Turkey and Egypt, before arriving as the first saltie under the lift bridge Monday.

After crossing the North Atlantic’s 18-to-20-foot swells, Captain Smyrnov said he was prepared and expecting a frozen Lake Superior.

“I was surprised. I made a full preparation of the vessel for cold weather. But, no ice, it’s very nice,” he said with a grin.

But then he added, “Nice for me, but nice for the lake or not, I don’t know.”

Tuesday’s ceremony was a reminder of the human beings that make the mammoth ships work. For those whose lives revolve around shipping, the day’s exchange of smiles, friendship and gifts carries with it its own special meaning and feeling.

“To us the arrival of the 1st saltie is the official start of spring in the Twin Ports. More iconic than the first robin or the first crocus bloom,” said DeLuca.

“The first saltie marks an exciting time of year. And much like last year, this is a very early start to the ocean-going season. And we hope and trust that it carries strong hopes for a strong performance for all of our port commodities in 2024,” DeLuca said.

Ships will now be coming and going all season long, and it can become almost routine. But everyone involved agreed the first of the season is always special.
Barbro G and crew members–welcome to town.