New containerization facility perfect fit with Port of Montreal strategy to provide value-added services

MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Port of Montreal is extremely pleased that CanEst Transit Inc., a new company founded by La Coop fédérée, Transit BD Inc. and MGT Holdings, will create on port territory a facility that will specialize in the containerization of agricultural products destined for local and international markets.

CanEst has signed a long-term lease with the Montreal Port Authority to operate out of the former Grain Elevator No. 3 annex. Once modernization work at the facility is complete, CanEst will receive by rail and truck bulk products from Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. The company will be able to store, clean, sift, package and containerize agricultural products, as well as handle bulk or bagged grain and by-products. Once containerized, agricultural products will be delivered by truck to local markets or directly to the Port of Montreal's container terminals for onward transit by vessel to the international markets that the port's container lines serve. The CanEst facility is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2014.

"The CanEst project fits in perfectly within our 'port-plus' strategy to provide value-added services to port users and to attract new clients," said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. "This project will increase our capacity for handling bulk products. Users will benefit from the port's strategic location on the St. Lawrence River to serve international markets."

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

Sophie Roux
Director of Communications
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