PortsToronto celebrates 164th annual Top Hat Ceremony

A sure sign of spring’s arrival, the first international ship of the 2025 shipping season has arrived at the Port of Toronto. Earlier today, PortsToronto “crowned” Captain Sergei Soldatkin of the MV Blacky with an antique top hat – first presented in the spring of 1861– at the annual Top Hat Ceremony. For the past 164 years, PortsToronto has celebrated the official opening of the commercial shipping season by crowning the captain of the first ocean-going vessel or “saltie” to arrive at the port.

In 2024, the Port of Toronto once again confirmed its critical role in the regional economy, posting another strong year in marine imports and cruise ship activity. In 2024, the Port handled more than two million metric tonnes of cargo and welcomed 34 cruise ships, bringing nearly 18,000 visitors to its Cruise Ship Terminal. These figures highlight the Port’s continued significance as a key contributor to tourism, trade, and construction in Ontario’s largest city and most populous region.

The Port of Toronto’s operations generate more than $460 million in economic activity for Ontario, demonstrating its vital role in sustaining the region's growth and prosperity. From the cement that supports Toronto’s booming construction industry – one of the busiest in North America – to the sugar that sweetens the morning coffee of millions, the Port remains a reliable and sustainable trade gateway that imports the goods necessary for the city to thrive.

PortsToronto President and CEO, RJ Steenstra “crowns” Captain Sergei Soldatkin of the MV Blacky at the 164^th annual Port of Toronto Top Hat Ceremony.

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Every year since 1861, PortsToronto has “crowned” the Captain of the first ship into the Port of Toronto with an antique silk top hat. This year marks the 164^th annual Top Hat Ceremony.

The Port of Toronto’s first Harbour Master, Hugh Richardson, initiated the idea to entice ships to bring building materials into the harbour as early as possible each year, allowing Toronto – then a burgeoning city – to start its building season. The first ship was given $100 in a briefcase, and the top hat, which served as the “key to the city’ for a 24-hour period enabling the captain and crew to eat and drink for free. The same top hat, now 164 years old, is used today, although measures are taken to protect and maintain it so it can be used for years to come.

Originally begun as a celebration of the first ship to enter the harbour each year, the annual tradition now celebrates the arrival of the first ocean-going ship of the season, also known as a “saltie.” This year the first saltie to arrive was the MV Blacky, which arrived in the Port of Toronto from Sao Sebastiao, Brazil, on March 28 under Captain Sergei Soldatkin, carrying more than 19,000 metric tonnes of sugar for the Redpath Refinery. The trip from Brazil took approximately 30 days. The annual ceremony celebrates the commencement of the 2025 shipping season

“The Top Hat Ceremony is a cherished tradition at the Port of Toronto, marking the arrival of the first ocean-going vessel and celebrating the Port’s essential role in connecting Toronto to global trade networks. The Port of Toronto provides a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective supply chain solution, ensuring that key materials like cement, steel, and sugar reach the heart of Canada’s largest city. With another strong year of cargo imports and cruise ship activity, the Port continues to demonstrate its value as a gateway for trade and tourism, reinforcing its impact on Toronto’s economy and supply chain resilience.”

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