Image Courtesy: MPA
The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) welcomed on June 10 Holland America Line’s MS Maasdam, the first ship to dock at the Port of Montreal’s new cruise terminal.
“We are very proud to have successfully completed this important project that represents a milestone in the Port of Montreal’s modern history,” Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, commented.
“The opening of this terminal is a perfect fit with Montreal’s 375th festivities… The arrival of the first cruise ship to the Alexandra Pier Cruise Terminal launches the Montreal cruise season, a booming tourist industry,” Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal , said.
Following the inauguration, the 55,575 dwt Maasdam left the Port of Montreal’s new cruise facility later on June 10 and will be back at the terminal on June 24, as informed by MPA.
Revitalization work on Alexandra Pier began in November 2015 and is expected to be completed in September 2017. A full overhaul of Alexandra Pier, an infrastructure that dates back more than a century, was necessary to upgrade operations, according to MPA.
On September 10, MPA will celebrate a grand opening of the new facility. Then, in 2019, a signature tower will be inaugurated at the far end of the terminal.
The project was funded by the Government of Quebec – CAD 20 million (around USD 15.1 million) – and the City of Montreal – CAD 15 million. For its part, the Montreal Port Authority invested CAD 43 million, bringing the total investment to CAD 78 million.
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second largest port in Canada and a diversified transshipment center that handles all types of goods – containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The port operates a passenger terminal, while all other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.