The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is introducing its very first mobile application as part of the milestone 175th Gold-Headed Cane presentation ceremony taking place this morning.
A major international port, the Port of Montreal welcomes every year more than 2,000 ships carrying all types of cargo to and from all parts of the world.
Navigating the digital waterways The mobile application is being launched in a very special context as the MPA is celebrating today the 175th presentation ceremony of the Gold-Headed Cane, awarded to the captain of the first ocean-going vessel to enter the Port of Montreal each year, and the 50th anniversary of year-round navigation on the St. Lawrence navigation channel to Montreal.
For the first time, Port of Montreal historical information and archival photos, previously found in books, will be readily accessible to one and all - at their fingertips - through this free mobile application.
The first chapter of the application, which will evolve over time, will allow users to board a ship and sail the oceans of time in order to explore the rich history of the Port of Montreal and, in particular, the Gold-Headed Cane. They will become acquainted with the rules of the ‘game’ by learning more about the winning captains and ships, and even be able to experience for themselves the ‘race’ for the Gold-Headed Cane.
The inquisitive, history buffs and those who have a passion for the maritime industry will be able to download the free application directly on their mobile device, through their application provider, on iOS and Android platforms. A web version is also available on the Port of Montreal website (www.port-montreal.com). Join the conversation: #portofmontreal 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 1,375,327 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2012, representing 12,032,966 tonnes of cargo.
The port also handled 9,721,422 tonnes of liquid bulk, 3,467,394 tonnes of dry bulk and 3,070,054 tonnes of grain in 2012.
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 69,992 passengers and crew members in 2012. 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
