RECORD INVESTMENTS FOR THE PORT OF QUÉBEC IN 2019
01/10/2019
Québec City, Thursday, January 10, 2019 – Investment in infrastructure at the Port will reach a record high in 2019, with projects valued at about $70 million. Combined with planned investments by Port users in their own facilities, total expenditure at the Port will exceed $169 million in 2019.
Most of the projects planned by the Québec Port Authority (QPA) are part of the first phase of a port infrastructure upgrade made possible by a $15.5 million contribution from the Government of Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF). The work involves repairing several wharves and restoring the drawbridge.
The QPA will also start work on improvements to the international cruise terminal this year, with financial support from the Québec government ($15 million) and Ville de Québec ($5 million). A second cruise terminal will be built at Wharf 30 allowing for simultaneous embarkation and disembarkation operations for large ships (4,000 to 5,000 passengers). The project includes development of the site, access points, and walkways.
In addition to its own initiatives, the Port expects a number of other major projects to get underway in 2019, including La COOP Fédérée's grain export terminal. With the help of the Québec government and Fonds de solidarité, La COOP Fédérée will invest some $90 million for the terminal in the Anse au Foulon sector. The Port of Québec will invest an additional $16 million in the same sector. The facility will be the first major grain export terminal designed to serve producers all across Québec, and will help expand their access to export markets.
“With major improvements to port infrastructure in the works, 2019 will be a pivotal year for the Port of Québec,” said port president and CEO Mario Girard. “These investments will propel the Port of Québec into the future and strengthen our position as a driver of economic growth and a strategic Canadian port.”
Another strong year in 2018
The Port of Québec had another strong year in 2018, with a preliminary total of 27.6 million tons of cargo handled. The agri-food sector was one of the main contributors driving the uptick in cargo, with some four million tons of grain products transshipped. IMTT also recorded a nearly 20% increase in the quantity of refined petroleum products handled.
As for international cruise traffic, the Port of Québec continued reach new heights. During the 2018 season the Port welcomed 230,940 passengers, up nearly 15% over 2017. Other figures for 2018 continue to smash records. A total of 156 ships called at the Port, including 14 with embarkation and disembarkation operations and eight making their inaugural visit, including the renowned Disney Magic, which dropped anchor in Québec City in September.
Thanks to its existing infrastructure and to development projects essential to the future growth of the industry, the Port is carving out an enviable niche in the international cruise market. The year 2018 was also a year of recognition as the Port won a number of international cruise industry awards. In addition to being named the “Top-Rated US & Canada Destination” for the second year in a row by the prestigious Cruise Critic website, Québec City ranked third on the site’s list of the “World’s Most Popular Cruise Destinations.” It was also named “Best Canada/New England Port” by Porthole Cruise magazine.
The Québec Port Authority is an autonomous federal agency constituted under the Canada Marine Act. The ships that pass through the Port are central to a supply chain that transports approximately $20 billion of goods each year. The Port of Québec is a maritime hub that generates and supports over 13,000 direct and indirect jobs according to the latest KPMG/SECOR study.
- 30 -
For more information:
Marie-Andrée Blanchet
Public Relations and Events Advisor
Québec Port Authority
418 648-3640
[email protected]