THE PORT OF QUÉBEC HANDLED 24 MILLION TONNES IN 2016

01/10/2017

QUÉBEC, January 10, 2017 – 2016 marked a return to growth for the Port of Québec in terms of tonnage handled. After three years in which reports showed a down cycle for raw materials, the Port registered a nearly 15% increase in tonnage transferred in 2016 compared to last year, with 24 million tonnes.

“This performance highlights the importance of the Port of Québec’s strategic positioning on major international trade routes and particularly the unique advantages of the St. Lawrence / Great Lakes corridor with its 15-metre depth at low tide and full intermodality,” said Québec Port Authority President and CEO Mario Girard.

150,000 visitors

The Québec Port Authority had a wonderful cruise season in 2016 which was marked by the development of a whole new clientele—luxury ships. The Port welcomed 102 visiting ships over the course of the season. A total of 24 different cruise ship lines made stopovers in Québec, bringing more than 108,928 passengers and 41,304 crew members for a total of 150,232 visitors.

The Port and its tourism partners pulled off a major logistical feat over the weekend of September 30 to October 3, welcoming a record 10 ships and 44,000 visitors over these high-traffic days. This traffic required unprecedented orchestration and collaboration on the part of all Port partners.

Environment

2016 was also a notable year in terms of the work accomplished by the Port and its users on environmental matters. In fact, the Port received two international recognitions. Green Marine recognized the Port’s environmental efforts in recent years by awarding it the “Excellence and leadership level” and a grade of 5 out of 5.

In October, the Québec Port Authority also received the “2016 Marine Environment Protection Award for Ports” from the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA).

In the same vein, last October in Amsterdam, Québec was made the host of the 2018 conference of the Worldwide Network of Port Cities (AIVP). This choice highlights the importance of harmonious coexistence with the community. The 2018 event will mark the first visit of the Worldwide Network of Port Cities to North America. More than 500 people representing every continent will come together here in Québec to discuss relationships between cities and ports.

The Québec Port Authority is an autonomous federal organization constituted under the Canada Marine Act. The ships that pass through the Port are at the heart of a supply chain that transports around $20 billion in goods each year. The Port of Québec is a maritime hub, creating 8,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Québec region according to the most recent study by KPMG/SECOR.

For additional information:

Marie-Andrée Blanchet Advisor, Public Relations and Events Québec Port Authority 418-648-3640 [email protected]