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The Government of Quebec announced funding of $7,621,487 to QSL International Ltd. for the expansion of the marine terminal in Sorel-Tracy. The project involves the construction of a new wharf, the rehabilitation of an existing wharf and the installation of intermodal infrastructure, including a control tower and an electric overhead conveyor. The amounts invested in this project will increase the efficiency of the facilities at the Port of Sorel-Tracy and the fluidity of local maritime transport by improving the productivity of port operations. “Our government is proud to support this project, which allows a local company to modernize its facilities and contribute even more to the dynamism of maritime transport and the agricultural industry. Adding a second berth means less waiting for ships, fewer GHG emissions and more efficient logistics for the entire sector. When our companies have the tools to innovate and develop, our entire economy moves forward. This is exactly the role of the government: to be a lever to help our Quebec grow,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. The construction of the floating dock, which will be the first in the St. Lawrence Seaway , represents a new transportation solution for the transport of goods shipped by ship. The facility will be used to transport agricultural goods, fertilizers, road salt and oversized steel parts and will be able to accommodate up to 35 ships per year for a total handled of approximately 440,000 metric tons. In addition, this dock will be located near large fertilizer users and at the heart of the Montérégie region’s agri-food industry, which will shorten the delivery distance to markets. The addition of a second berth will help significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the time ships spend waiting offshore due to lack of dock space. This improvement will prevent the emission of 521 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) per year. “Providing Quebec with modern and competitive port infrastructure, while respecting ecosystems and communities, is a winning strategy, and QSL is proud to contribute to the modernization of Quebec’s maritime sector. The Sorel-Tracy industrial port zone is a concrete example of sustainable development carried out in partnership with regional stakeholders. Together, we are creating an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation,” said Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL International Ltd. This project, with a total estimated cost of $36,308,464, should be completed by 2027. This amount is supported in part by the Marine Infrastructure Investment Program (MIIP), implemented as part of Avantage Saint-Laurent, Quebec’s maritime vision. The MIIP has a budget of $100 million until March 31, 2025. “This major investment demonstrates the strategic importance of the Port of Sorel-Tracy in the regional and maritime economic development of Quebec. With these improvements, we are strengthening our position as a maritime transportation hub, while creating interesting opportunities for our local businesses and workers,” said Jean-Bernard Émond, Member of Parliament for Richelieu. |
