MONTREAL, Oct. 17, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In the wake of the success of History of Ships, the free exhibition that has been attracting the public since July 19 to the second floor of the new Cruise Terminal, the Port of Montreal decided to extend it. That means that History of Ships will be open on weekends and holidays from 12 to 5 p.m. The schedule will be reviewed next spring. This was announced today by Sophie Roux, Vice-President, Public Affairs at the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) at a press conference attended by the exhibition's artisans.

History of Ships is presented in the Port of Montreal's new Port Centre, the first of its kind in Quebec. The exhibition shows and tells the Port's rich history and its pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Montreal, Quebec and Canada. It is part of the festivities of Montreal's 375^th anniversary and Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation.

The decision to extend the opening was prompted by the exhibition's success. Attendance exceeded expectations: more than 21,000 people visited, and the comments of these Montrealers and local and international tourists were extremely positive.  

The interest expressed by visitors during recent months encourages the MPA to further its initiative and develop a new concept for the Port Centre aligned with the Missions Charter of a Port Centre written by the Worldwide Network of Port Cities, known internationally by its French acronym AIVP. The Port of Montreal ratified it on June 26, 2014 during AIVP Days, held at the same time as the annual general meeting of the Worldwide Network of Port Cities held that year in Genoa, Italy.

This charter defines in ten points the essential challenges and objectives of any Port Centre. Along with the MPA, several other port cities with a Port Centre or a Port Centre project, adopted the charter, including Antwerp, Belgium; Le Havre and Dunkirk, France; Houston, United States; Ashdod, Israel; and Livorno and Genoa, Italy.    

"We plan to create a lively, educational and dynamic Port Centre that will be interactive and get visitors to participate. The commitment that drives us is to help Montrealers make their port their own, and be proud to define themselves as citizens of a port city," said Sophie Roux.

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.

SOURCE Montreal Port Authority

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