Port of Montreal welcomes first ocean-going vessel of 2013

MONTREAL, Jan. 3, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - By crossing the Port of Montreal's downstream limits at Sorel at 1:12, the Bermuda-flagged Mississauga Express became the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2013.

The Mississauga Express, under the command of Captain Deepinder Singh, is a container-ship operated by shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, represented in Montreal by agents Robert Reford. The Mississauga Express had left the Port of Lisboa in Portugal on December 24.

Captain Deepinder Singh will receive the Gold-Headed Cane during an official ceremony on Thursday, January 3. The Port presents the trophy at the beginning of each new year to the captain of the first ship to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover.

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.

SOURCE: PORT OF MONTREAL

Michèle Beaubien
Director of Communications
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www.port-montreal.com