MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - As of this morning, the Port of Montreal is proud to offer an active presence on social media. Already followed on LinkedIn and YouTube, the Port has launched a Facebook page and opened Twitter and Instagram accounts. The Port’s increased presence on social media aims to strengthen ties with its clients and partners, enhance its role as a responsible citizen in the community and raise awareness of its facilities, which make it a unique and important economic engine for Montreal, Quebec and Canada. These new platforms will enable the port to communicate and interact directly with the general public and partners in the port community.  “Our active presence on social media will make it possible for our clients and partners as well as the community to access information, photos, videos and news about the shipping and logistics sectors. It will be a real behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Montreal,” stated Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. Five good reasons to follow the Port of Montreal on social media 1)     To learn more about the history of Montreal, because it is a founding component of the city. 2)     To discover how and why Montreal is a world-class port city, in addition to being a major regional economic engine. 3)     To communicate and interact with us and our virtual community. 4)     To learn more about our facilities and Montreal’s port community, which accounts for how most of the products you use actually get to you. 5)     To enjoy privileged access to a range of visual and informative content that will make you see marine transportation in a whole new light. To follow us: 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. The Port of Montreal handled 1,356,810 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2013, representing 11,896,671 tonnes of cargo. The port also handled 9,549,933 tonnes of liquid bulk, 3,912,531 tonnes of dry bulk and 2,638,159 tonnes of grain in 2013. Total cargo-handling volumes reached 28,156,971 million tonnes in 2013. 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 69,966 passengers and crew members in 2013. 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 Montreal Port Authority