The Port of Sept-Îles Acquires the Hermel from Mylène Paquette

Carol Soucy, chair of the Sept-Îles Port Authority board of directors, was excited and proud to announce that the Port of Sept-Îles’ offer to buy the Hermel has been accepted. Mylène Paquette used this oceangoing rowboat on her 129-day trip across the Atlantic in 2013, an unprecedented exploit covered by the international media.

“This achievement, which took courage, tenacity, determination, and skill, ties in perfectly with the values of the Port of Sept-Îles,” said Mr. Soucy. The rowboat will be showcased at the Port of Sept-Îles’ new administrative building, scheduled to be built in 2015, and will be a key attraction for residents, schools, visitors, tourists, and cruise ship passengers.

“I would like to congratulate the Port of Sept-Îles on its bold move to acquire the Hermel. Like its captain, the Hermel is already well known. It will be an invaluable point of interest for Sept-Îles and will add another quality tourist attraction to the town. I’m confident that residents will enthusiastically adopt this symbol of success and perseverance,” added Sept-Îles mayor Réjean Porlier.

About the Port of Sept-Îles

Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume of over 30 million tons. Sept-Îles’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Marie-France Daoust

Marie-France Daoust is Director of Corporate Affairs at the Société de développement économique du Saint-Laurent (Sodes). With more than 15 years’ experience in entrepreneurship, 10 years in strategic management within the Quebec government and 5 years in public and government affairs, she stands out for her leadership and ability to bring people together. In her role, she is responsible for developing business growth strategy, forging strategic partnerships, and mobilizing maritime organizations around today’s major issues.