The Port of Montreal has opened a new container terminal, capable of handling 450,000 TEUs annually. The new Viau Terminal is the first of two phases of expansion work at the port, which will eventually see Montreal able to handle 2.1 million TEUs each year.
Already the second-largest port in Canada, and the fifth largest on the east coast of North America, the expansion plans will be a huge boon to the Montreal economy and that of Canada as a whole.
Speaking at the opening, Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport for Canada, said: “The Government of Canada recognizes that port infrastructure plays a key role in supporting economic growth. In addition to making the Port of Montréal considerably more competitive, productive and effective, this project will also help to support economic growth for Canadians in the years to come.”
Watch: Expansion plans at the Port of Montreal
Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority, said: ““The new Viau terminal will have a considerable impact! Ultimately, it will increase the Port of Montréal’s handling capacity by 2.1 million TEUs and generate significant benefits for the region, province and country as whole with annual spinoffs of $340 million and the creation of 2,500 direct and indirect jobs,
“The success of this project is the result of a significant collaboration between public and private organisations, including Termont Montréal Inc. and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. Moreover, the work was carried out with concern for communities and the environment. There is much to be proud of!”
The construction of the expansion works is being funded in part by the Canadian Government, to the tune of $27.2 million for the new terminal, with the remainder of funding coming from Termont Montreal and MSC.
