SEPT-ÎLES, August 14, 2015 – The Port of Sept-Îles, in partnership with Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu, officially opened the Hermel exhibition site today in the Port of Sept-Îles Marina building.
As part of the strategy promoting Sept-Îles as an international cruise destination, the Port and Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu wanted to make the Hermel accessible to cruise passengers as well as tourists and locals. To do so, they renovated the Marina building to refurbish existing facilities and create a space dedicated to this remarkable transatlantic watercraft. An interactive console sits next to the Hermel, allowing visitors to learn about the famous rowboat and its 129-day voyage across the Atlantic.
In addition to being the new home port for Mylène Paquette’s legendary boat, the Marina building now houses a Tourisme Sept-Îles kiosk and an interpretive display about the Bay of Sept-Îles itself. Until Labour Day, Tourisme Sept-Îles staff will be on-site to bring the exhibits to life and answer visitor questions. The exhibition is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Once summer is over, school and group visits to the Hermel will be available upon request.
“Thanks to our generous partners, the Hermel exhibition is now a part of the Port of Sept-Îles. We’re grateful to Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu, and to Tourisme Sept-Îles and the Club nautique de Sept-Îles, who helped make it possible to bring the Hermel to her new home port in our marina,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, the Port’s President & CEO.
“The Hermel is a symbol of the maritime community. She travelled the same route as most ore tankers that pass through our port and her courageous captain is a force of nature. This little yellow boat will be a major attraction for locals, school groups, visitors, tourists and cruise passengers,” added Manon Langlois, chair of the Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu board.
In April 2014 the Port of Sept-Îles won the bid to acquire this symbol of courage, determination, and achievement that embodies the Port’s values and will now be displayed there permanently.
THE MS MARCO POLO ARRIVES
The MS Parco Polo and her 1,371 passengers and crew are expected to dock in Sept-Îles this Sunday. This will be the graceful cruise ship’s first-ever visit to the region. Festivities, entertainment, and tastings of local delicacies will be featured in the port’s new cruise terminal. Everyone is invited to join in this event to kick off the cruise ship season. The ship leaves port on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of the largest ore-handling ports in North America. The port’s infrastructure plays a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada, with annual economic impact estimated at nearly $1 billion and nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Source :
Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port de Sept-Îles
418-961-1235
Mario Sévigny
Executive Director
Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu
418-968-1231, ext. 234