New Project to Reduce Bottlenecks for Container Shipments at Montreal Port

The Government of Canada has announced a new investment of CAD 18.5 million (about USD 14 million) for a project to increase transport efficiency, capacity, and security by reducing waiting times and bottlenecks for container movements at the Port of Montreal.

“Our government is investing in the Port of Montreal’s physical and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth … and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient,” Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, commented.

“The investment at the port will also help reduce congestion and truck traffic in and around its various terminals,” he added.

The project consists of an IT system for truck logistics that allows drivers to register for access to the port’s terminals, thus increasing the flow of traffic; building a railway bridge outside the truck entrance to improve truck traffic at the port; deploying a series of electronic signs on the port lands that will provide real-time information for truck drivers; and developing an intelligent communications network to reduce truck traffic in the vicinity of the port.

Last year, the Port of Montreal also joined the TradeLens solution, continuing its development strategy geared to innovation and the use of advanced technology. Jointly developed by Maersk and IBM, TradeLens aims to bring the shipping industry into the digital age through a secure interface exclusively dedicated to freight transport.

As explained, the government is supporting infrastructure projects that contribute most to Canada’s success in international trade. Trade diversification is seen as a key component of the National Trade Corridors Fund, through projects that improve the performance of the transportation system to increase the value and volume of goods exported from Canada to overseas markets; and generate new overseas trade as a result of the investment.

Minister Garneau also announced CAD 600,000 in funding for the University of Montreal to assess the impacts of climate change on the Port of Montreal’s infrastructure and determine its resilience to the effects of climate change.

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second-largest port in Canada and a diversified transshipment center that handles all types of goods — containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The MPA also operates a cruise terminal and a port center.