Montreal Port Authority annual meeting: Port stays on course despite economic slowdown

MONTREAL, May 24, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Despite a global economic slowdown, the Port of Montreal finished 2012 with results comparable to those of its record-setting year of 2011. The Port handled 28.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2012, down only 0.4 per cent from the 28.5 million tonnes of traffic that it moved in 2011.

At its annual meeting, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) also announced net earnings of $9.1 million in 2012, up 29.2 per cent from $7.1 million in 2011, thanks in great part to a rigorous control of expenditures. The MPA's operating expenses totalled $77.8 million in 2012, down from $83.3 million the previous year.

The Port of Montreal handles containers, liquid bulk, grain and other dry bulk traffic, and also welcomes cruise ship passengers.

In 2012, the Port handled 12 million tonnes of containerized cargo traffic, down 3.5 per cent from 12.4 million tonnes in 2011.

Liquid bulk traffic was down 9.7 per cent to 9.7 million tonnes last year from 10.8 million tonnes in 2011, which was an exceptional year for this cargo category at the Port. Despite the decrease, 2012 was still the Port's second-best year ever in this sector of activity.

Dry bulk volumes through the Port were up significantly in 2012. Traffic in this sector increased by 26 per cent to 6.5 million tonnes from 5.1 million tonnes in 2011. Grain traffic, up 76 per cent in 2012, was the main reason for this remarkable increase. "This result confirms our decision to transfer the operation of our grain terminal to Viterra, a company that specializes in this sector of activity," said MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon.

The Port of Montreal welcomed a record 69,992 cruise ship passengers and crew members in 2012, up 47 per cent over the previous year. The efforts of the Montreal Cruise Committee, created in June 2011, played a significant role in this increase.

Highlights

The Port reinvents itself: In 2012, the Port took an important step to make itself more visible internationally and to have a greater presence in various markets. This has inspired its new signature Trading with the World, which accompanies its new logo. The Port added a representative in Hong Kong, a leading centre for maritime transportation, to its representation in Europe and the United States.

The Port has also revamped its image and enhanced its communications with, among other things, the launch of a new and enriched website.

Sustainable development

The Port of Montreal has maintained its role as a leader in sustainable development. In 2012, it completed its locomotive replacement program by acquiring four GenSet models. This technology reduces fuel consumption by about 50 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent compared to traditional locomotives.

In addition, the Port acquired six new hybrid vehicles that consume about half the fuel of traditional models.

The Port of Montreal also established a communications strategy with the neighbouring communities of Ville-Marie, Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal-East and Pointe-aux-Trembles. Three meetings already have been held with citizens who live in these sectors.

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

Yves Gilson
Acting Communications Manager
[email protected]
Telephone: [phone]
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www.port-montreal.com