The Port of Montreal welcomes the first ship at its new cruise terminal

MONTREAL, June 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is celebrating the arrival of the MS Maasdam, the first ship to dock at the Port of Montreal's new cruise terminal. Alongside Verdun MNA Isabelle Melançon, representing the Government of Quebec, and Mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre, MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon and VIP guests welcomed the cruise ship's captain and passengers.

"We are very proud to have successfully completed this important project that represents a milestone in the Port of Montreal's modern history. Now fully up and running, this new terminal bolsters the city's international positioning by offering an efficient, friendly and prestigious welcome to cruise passengers from all over the world, and all just in time to celebrate its 375th anniversary!" said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. 

The works related to revitalizing Alexandra Pier will be completed in September 2017. For the occasion, the Port of Montreal will host a huge family celebration. Revitalization work on Alexandra Pier began in November 2015. The project was made possible through the financial contribution of the Government of Quebec ($20 million) and the City of Montreal ($15 million). For its part, the Montreal Port Authority invested $43 million, bringing the total investment to $78 million.

"I am simply delighted to welcome this first ship to the Port of Montreal's new cruise terminal. The Alexandra Pier revitalization project enables us to heighten Montreal's appeal and welcoming capacity, which will help make the city and the province even more attractive as world-class destinations," said Isabelle Melançon, MNA for Verdun, behalf of Quebec Tourism Minister Julie Boulet.

"This major legacy for Montreal's 375th anniversary is an added attraction promoting the development of tourism in our great city. A bearer of economic benefits, this investment will also give Montrealers better access to the river," said Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, and Minister responsible for the Montreal region.

"The City of Montreal is very pleased to be a partner in this major undertaking. The Port of Montreal is a founding component in the city's history. Over the years, it has remained a vital economic engine of our economy. The opening of this terminal is a perfect fit with Montreal's 375th festivities. All our visitors will enjoy an even more impressive welcome. The arrival of the first cruise ship to the Alexandra Pier Cruise Terminal launches the Montreal cruise season, a booming tourist industry," said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal.

An extensive project

The innovative concept executed by the architectural firm Provencher_Roy enables the Port of Montreal to provide superior reception facilities to cruise passengers and to integrate many aspects of the best practices in sustainable development.

Alexandra Pier is an infrastructure that dates back more than a century. A full overhaul of the cruise terminal was necessary to upgrade operations. This new terminal makes it possible to better meet the needs of cruise ships and passengers when they arrive in Montreal.

Work will continue over the summer as the workers strive to complete everything planned for all the spaces on Alexandra Pier. These works will make it possible to complete the Port Interpretation Centre, the green roof, the parking area and a large public square designed to give Montrealers and visitors better access to the river. On September 10, the public will be invited to make the most of the facilities on the pier at a grand opening in the form of a family celebration. Then, in 2019, a signature tower will be inaugurated at the far end of the terminal.

In addition to modernizing its facilities, the MPA has also developed a cultural project by developing an exhibition that presents the Port of Montreal's rich history and its pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Montreal, Quebec and Canada. This exhibition entitled "History of Ships" will be available to the public free of charge as of the first of July, on the second floor of the cruise terminal.

ABOUT THE PORT OF MONTREAL

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second largest port in Canada and a 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 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. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms. Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic benefits annually.

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Find out more about the contribution of the Quebec government, a major partner in Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations, by clicking here.

SOURCE Montreal Port Authority

For further information: Mélanie Nadeau, Director of Communications, Montreal Port Authority, [e-mail], 514-283-1385; Patrick Soucy, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Mauricie Region, 418-528-8063; Marie-Ève Pelletier, Director of Communications and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, 418-691-2050