MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 2,700 people boarded the Cavalier Maxim to take part in a guided tour of Montreal's port facilities organized last Saturday by the Port of Montreal, in collaboration with AML Cruises, for the 4th edition of its Port in the City Day.
The event attracted 500 more participants than last year, despite the cool weather and light rain. Delighted by the turnout, the organizers wish to give Montrealers the opportunity to discover the port sectors adjacent to their living environment.
During their tour, participants were able to get a close look at the various facilities where port operations are carried out, and learn how goods from abroad make their way from overseas to their local store shelves.
"Port in the City Day lets us meet our neighbours and talk with them. They were all really glad to have been invited on this great cruise, and they had lots of questions that the Port team answered with enthusiasm," stated Sophie Roux, Vice-President, Public Affairs at the Montreal Port Authority (MPA).
In total, five departures from the Quai des Convoyers in the Old Port were provided by the Cavalier Maxim, which sailed as far as Promenade Bellerive Park. Port executives provided the tour commentary.
In light of the Day's huge popularity, the organizers plan to repeat the event next year. See you there in 2016!
Port in the City Day was carried out as part of a broader initiative by the Port of Montreal to get closer to its neighbouring communities. The proximity of port facilities to more than 16,000 households makes this challenge a priority for the Port.
To access more information on Port actions on community relations, the public is invited to visit www.port-montreal.com, to subscribe to the Port of Montreal's Facebook page and to follow its Twitter account.
About the Port of Montreal
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods – containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world.
The Port of Montreal handled 1,402,393 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in 2014, representing 12,575,069 tonnes of cargo. The port also handled 9,246,741 tonnes of liquid bulk, and 8,433,434 tonnes of dry bulk, including 4,075,879 tonnes of grain. The total volume of goods handled in 2014 amounted to 30,445,984 million tonnes.
The Port of Montreal has its own railway network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 71,044 passengers and crew members in 2014. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.
Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic spin-offs annually.
SOURCE PORT OF MONTREAL
Mélanie Nadeau, Director of Communications, [email protected], T: 514.283.7050, F: 514 283-0829, www.port-montreal.com
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