Month: January 2016

SEPT-ÎLES, January 27, 2016 – The Port of Sept-Îles has reached an agreement, subject to judicial approval, regarding its acquisition of land in the Pointe-Noire area. The land is currently subject to proceedings initiated by Wabush Iron Co. and Wabush Resources Inc. under the Creditors Arrangement Act.

The motion hearing for a transaction that would see certain Pointe-Noire assets sold to Investissement Québec has already been set for February 1. The motion will be amended so that the Port’s intended acquisition of land in the Pointe‑Noire area can be approved during the hearing. For more details on the upcoming transaction with the Port, visit the auditor’s website at http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/bloomlake/.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES

Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of North America’s largest ore-handling ports, with an annual volume of close to 25 million tonnes. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. Annual economic impacts are estimated at nearly $1 billion and almost 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Source:
Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235

SEPT-ÎLES, January 18, 2016 – The volume of cargo handled by the Port of Sept-Îles in 2015 dropped 4.6% to 22.7 million metric tons, compared to 23.8 million tons in the previous year. The slight decrease, due mainly to the closure of Cliffs Natural Resources in Pointe-Noire, was almost completely offset by the increase in shipments by Rio Tinto IOC, which rose by 24% to 17.8 million tons, and those of Tata Steel Minerals Canada, at 2.3 million tons. Tata Steel is now a major shipper, accounting for 10% of the port’s annual volume.

YEAR IN REVIEW

2015 was marked by the arrival in February of two gigantic shiploaders at the multi-user dock. They captured the attention of the entire maritime community when they were featured on Discovery Channel’s Mighty Ships show. Installation of the shiploaders was completed in late October and the multi-user dock is now ready to receive its first ore carrier as soon as dock users get connected.

Another important event was the opening in August of the Hermel exhibition site in the Port’s Marina building. The Hermel’s new home was renovated to create a space for showcasing this remarkable transatlantic watercraft. More than 4,000 people visited the exhibit during the summer.

The Port was active in the community throughout the year, contributing to nearly 60 of the region’s organizations under its donations and funding policy. Support included major sponsorship for Vieux-Quai en Fête, funding for the 5 à Huîtres Maritime event on behalf of the Élyme des sables palliative care centre, and the donation of 100 turkeys to the Grande guignolée des médias food drive. These are only a few examples of the financial engagement of the Port of Sept-Îles and the involvement of its entire team in organizing and supporting these important events.

“The delivery this year of a world class facility such as the multi-user dock occurred at a time when such assets can make all the difference in a bearish iron market. The use of larger vessels such as the Chinamax ships can reduce transportation costs by 30% to 40% and enable shippers to remain competitive in an oversupplied global market,” explained Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES

Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of North America’s biggest ore-handling ports, with an annual volume of close to 25 million tons. The port facilities at Sept-Îles play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. Annual economic impacts are estimated at nearly $1 billion and almost 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Source:

Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235

Sailing under Netherlands flag, the M/V SPAARNEGRACHT, was the first ship of the year to call Sept-Îles, arriving from Savannah, USA, at 9:47 a.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2016. The vessel arrived in ballast and will set sail today at noon, for Baltimore, USA, laden with a cargo of 10,000 tons of aluminum from Aluminerie Alouette.

The prestigious Cane bearing the Port of Sept-Îles’ insignia was presented yesterday afternoon at the La Relance terminal to Captain Hajo Y. van Losenoord, by Mr. Raynald Ouellet, Vice-president, Operations and Business Development of the Port of Sept-Îles, while accompanied by Mr. Jean-Pierre Castilloux of Aluminerie Alouette and representatives of Logistec Stevedoring and the vessel’s owners Spliethoff.

This tradition, now in its 29th year, marks the beginning of a new year of port activities, with a special ceremony for the arrival of the first ship of the year to call the Port. To be eligible, the vessel must come directly from a foreign port and be bound for a destination outside the Country without making any other calls at a Canadian Port.

ABOUT THE PRESTIGIOUS CANE

Since its transformation in 2012 with a renewed design, the new edition showcases the region’s industrial pillars that do business via the port infrastructures. Indeed, taking its inspiration from a 3D version of the Port of Sept-Îles’ logo, the new cane now includes aluminum in its composition and highlights an iron ore rock whose brilliance is reflected in a half sphere of acrylic.

The notion of gold has not been neglected in the new concept. The seven stars of the Port logo, which represent the seven islands in the Bay of Sept-Îles, were replicated in 10-carat gold to adorn the cane band, making it an exclusive and sought-after item for the maritime industry.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES

Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of North America’s leading iron ore ports. Sept-Îles’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of a number of businesses from the region’s primary sector. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with some 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. Port activity at the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and Canada.

Source:
Patsy Keays
Director, Corporate Affairs
Port of Sept-Îles
418 961-1235