Port of Montreal open to post-Panamax ships

MONTREAL, May 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is delighted with a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) decision authorizing the passage of vessels up to 44 metres wide in the Quebec-Montreal section of the St. Lawrence navigation channel. The previous authorized width was 32.1 metres without restrictions.

The CCG has made the provisions following a study commissioned by the MPA and conducted jointly with Transport Canada, the CCG, the Laurentian Pilotage Authority and the Corporation of Central St. Lawrence Pilots.

"I would like to thank everyone who has collaborated on this project," said MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon. "This initiative will allow the Port of Montreal to strengthen its position as North America's leading port for container traffic with Europe, and it will reinforce Montreal's strategic position as a logistics and transportation hub of choice for all types of cargo."

Specifically, the new provisions will make it possible for all post-Panamax vessels, including 6,000-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) container ships, to reach Montreal.

"Shipping lines, no matter what type of cargo they carry, will be able to substantially increase capacity on their services to Montreal, which will inevitably lead to benefits for the Port's broad customer base," Ms. Vachon said.

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 70,092 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: PORT OF MONTREAL

Yves Gilson
Acting Director of Communications
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www.port-montreal.com