Port in the City Day a major success

MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Port of Montreal's Port in the City Day provided thousands of Montrealers with the opportunity to discover their port on Saturday, September 8. More than 2,150 people enjoyed a one-hour port cruise aboard Croisières AML's Cavalier Maxim over the course of five departures held between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Croisières AML was a partner with the port in the event.

From the St. Lawrence River, passengers were treated to a unique view of the port, from the Old Port to the east end of the city. Montreal Port Authority senior managers were aboard the boat to present and explain the port and its facilities.

"The Port of Montreal is an important contributor to the economy of Greater Montreal," said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. "We want to get even closer to our community. We want Montrealers to discover or rediscover their port and to be proud of it."

There was obvious interest in the port among Montrealers: almost all of the cruise tickets were spoken for within only two days. Others will have to wait until next year to enjoy the cruise. Because of the general public's enthusiastic response to this year's event, the Port of Montreal already has scheduled next year's Port in the City Day for September 7, 2013.

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. In 2011, 1,362,975 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were handled at the Port of Montreal, representing 12,471,002 tonnes of cargo.

The Port also handled 10,760,649 tonnes of liquid bulk, 3,431,811 tonnes of dry bulk, and 1,741,035 tonnes of grain in 2011.

The Port of Montreal has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The Port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 38,031 passengers and crew members in 2011. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.

Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs annually. 

Image with caption: "Visit of Port activities from the St. Lawrence River. (CNW Group/ MONTREAL PORT AUTHORITY)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120910_C5223_PHOTO_EN_17617.jpg

SOURCE: MONTREAL PORT AUTHORITY

Michèle Beaubien
Communications Director
[email protected]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.port-montreal.com