The Port of Montreal welcomes the first ship at its new cruise terminal
The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is celebrating the arrival of the MS Veendam, 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, the company said in its press release.
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.
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.
