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SEPT-ÎLES, August 16, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce today that it will host the 53rd Annual Meeting and Conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) August 6–10, 2011. The Port of Sept-Îles was officially selected as the host of next year’s event during the association’s 2010 conference that was held at the beginning of August in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

To merit this selection, the Port of Sept-Îles managers made a special presentation inviting their colleagues to discover all the charm and cachet of our beautiful region and extend their stay a few days next year to experience the North Shore’s immensity and splendor. The conference was already held in Sept-Îles more than 20 years ago (1991), so this will be a special opportunity for the Port Authority to host the event a second time.

The event will last four days and will be one of the largest conferences to be held in Sept-Îles in recent years—more than 225 representatives from all regions of Canada are expected, in addition to several hundred thousand dollars in economic spinoffs. The annual event is held in a different Canadian port city each year and is a forum for representatives from the Canadian port sector to discuss and develop ideas on topics crucial to the industry, in particular trade corridors such as the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, as well as issues surrounding the environment, competitiveness, and trends in cargo transport in the continental and international marine market.

Next year, Canadian port community representatives will be able to witness how important iron and aluminum are to the economic vitality of the Port of Sept-Îles and the entire region. “Right now, we are experiencing an incomparable economic boom. The vibrancy of the Port of Sept-Îles, the close support of the regional economic community, and the contribution of all our business partners have largely been the key to this success. We will therefore be proud to share the growth our region has experienced with the entire Canadian port community,” stated Pierre D. Gagnon, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Sept-Îles.

At the most recent conference, members of the ACPA also elected the Port of Sept-Îles president and chief executive officer as vice chair of its board of directors. “The Port’s board of directors is pleased with this appointment, which demonstrates the high regard that all the Canadian ports have for Mr. Gagnon,” said the chair of the Port of Sept-Îles board of directors, Carol Soucy.

About the Association of Canadian Port Authorities

The Association of Canadian Port Authorities was founded in 1958 and groups together ports and harbors and related marine interests into one national association. The ACPA represents all Canada Port Authorities, various government entities, and companies doing business in the marine sector. The ACPA is the pre-eminent association for the advocacy and advancement of the Canadian port industry. Canada’s 17 port authorities handle more than $160 billion worth of cargo annually.

About Sept-Îles Port Authority

With a full range of high-performance equipment, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s leading iron ore port and will now become Canada’s second largest in terms of annual volume handled, with over 35 million tons.

Sept-Îles’s 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.

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SEPT-ÎLES, July 27, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles and Développement Économique Sept-Îles proudly announce that a first shipment of 165,225 metric tons of iron ore belonging to Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd. (CLM) left port today at 9:17 a.m. bound for China aboard the Navios Aurora. This marks a new maritime destination, joining the other international destinations that account for over 85% of port traffic. This first shipment is destined exclusively for CLM’s Chinese partner Wisco, located in Wuhan in the province of Hubei.

In the last few days, CLM has begun operating its new land-based storage facilities and an innovative ship-loading system that uses CSL’s Atlantic Superior self-unloading shuttle to load ships anchored in the Bay of Sept-Îles.

Just last December CLM started this major project at the port to develop over 20 hectares of Pointe-Noire by setting up a rail system and heavy duty iron ore handling equipment like tipplers, stacker-reclaimers, and a conveyor system. This work represented over $150 million in private investments and generated major economic spinoffs for the local economy in the form of various contracts.

“The successful completion of this project within seven months is a credit to the drive and determination of CLM and its entire team. This is an outstanding achievement. In just seven months, CLM was able to transform this sector into a world-class mining industry storage and handling site that was ready to begin operations,” said Port of Sept-Îles CEO Pierre D. Gagnon.

“With an initial shipping capacity of 8 million tons by late 2010, which will grow to 16 million tons following the expansion of their activities at Bloom Lake in late 2012, CLM is set to play a key role at the Port of Sept-Îles. The company is one of our major partners, and we want to provide them with the support and services they need for future growth,” added board chair Carol Soucy.

For Luc Dion, president of Développement Économique Sept-Îles, this project is a shining example of private enterprise and local socioeconomic partners working hand in hand. “CLM involved us from the start, allowing us to support and contribute to a project that showcases our region’s economic vitality. This project will provide major economic benefits for many years to come,” added Dion.

With a full range of high-performance equipment, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s leading iron ore port and will now become Canada’s second largest in terms of annual volume handled, with over 35 million tons.

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.

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Sept-Îles, June 1, 2010 – CN and the Port of Sept-Îles are pleased to announce that on May 27, 2010, the Association québecoise du transport et des routes awarded them with a grand prize for excellence in transportation in the “Freight Transportation” category.

This prize, which recognizes efforts to improve the performance of freight transportation networks and modes, was awarded jointly to CN and the Port of Sept-Îles for their development of a rail and maritime transportation route serving Northern Québec and Labrador.

An attractive alternative
Unveiled in November 2008, this transportation route incorporates a CN-owned train ferry that uses Port of Sept-Îles landing, marshalling, and intermodal transport infrastructures.

This alternative to road transportation helps improve transportation conditions in the North Shore region, notably by reducing congestion on Route 138, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. According to data published in 2006 by the Office of Energy Efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions from rail transportation are estimated to be six times lower (GHG) than those produced by heavy trucks, while maritime transportation boasts GHG emissions ten times lower, according to the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council.

Thanks to the solution by CN and the Port of Sept-Îles, the rail route to Labrador and Nouveau Québec is now accessible from all across North America. With the railcar ferry linking Sept-Îles and Matane, the major industries in the region (including mining companies) will enjoy an intermodal solution that allows them to increase their access to markets and thus boost their competitiveness and business development potential.

Sustained growth
Since its launch in 2008, the railcarferry service has steadily grown in popularity. A big part of this success is attributable to the joint efforts of three of its first customers—Aluminerie Alouette, the IOC Mining Company (Rio Tinto), and Wabush Mines (Cliffs Natural Resources)—all of whom contributed to the development of this innovative transportation system before its official launch. CN and the Port of Sept-Îles would like to thank them for their trust and support, and would also like to thank Développement économique Sept-Îles for its ongoing efforts over the years to get this service on track.

“Given the economic vitality of North Shore, due in large part to the booming iron market and the massive hydroelectric project of La Romaine, the new service comes at a timely moment to provide big industries with a cost-effective alternative for supplying their operations and an advantageous solution for reducing pressure on the overused regional road network,” said Port of Sept-Îles president and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon and board chair Carol Soucy.

“CN is delighted to receive a grand prize of excellence in transportation for this joint project. We will continue to work closely with representatives from the community of Sept-Îles with a view to continuing to do more to meet the region’s needs,” added CN supply chain solutions VP Keith Reardon and Jean Dumas, senior change manager in the CN Sales and Marketing department.

ABOUT CN
Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, B.C.; Montreal; Sept-Îles; Baie Comeau; Halifax; New Orleans; and Mobile, AL; and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto; Buffalo; Chicago; Detroit; Duluth, MN¬/Superior, WI; Green Bay, WI; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Memphis; St. Louis; and Jackson, MS; with connections to all points in North America.

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 and in 2011 will become Canada’s second largest in terms of expected annual volume handled, with over 35 million tons. Sept-Îles’s 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.

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Sept-Îles, May 21, 2010 – Tuesday, May 25, 2010, marks the start of the second season of welcoming international cruise ships in Sept-Îles. The three partners of Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu—the City of Sept-Îles, the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) Band Council, and the Port of Sept-Îles—are thrilled to kick off this second season with the arrival of the Maasdam, carrying over 1,200 passengers and 500 crew. Again this year some 7,500 passengers and crew will transit through the Bay of Sept-Îles during three port visits, two of which are scheduled for October.

International cruise industry development at Sept-Îles generates major investment and significant spinoffs. The overall project is estimated at nearly $30 million and includes various components slated for completion over the next three years. Construction of the pier will cost slightly over $20 million. Work will be finished on schedule for the official inauguration, when a big public celebration will mark the docking of the second ship of the season, the majestic Norwegian Spirit, on October 4.

Another early highlight of the season is the federal government’s confirmation of $2.3 million in funding for work by the City of Sept-Îles and ITUM. This work totaling over $6.5 million will enhance the overall project, two-thirds of which is funded through provincial and federal programs to develop additional ports of call on the St. Lawrence River.

Not only will this investment enhance tourism options, it will also provide an opportunity to leave a rich legacy for area residents. This will include development of a reception area near the pier to be completed in the coming months, as well as renovation of the Old Dock boardwalk, rebuilding of the launching ramp, construction of an additional stretch of sidewalk on Avenue Arnaud, and revitalization of Le Vieux-Poste.

This initiative by the three partners will also have a leveraging effect for our communities, particularly the Innu community, by creating jobs to operate the panoramic train tour of a traditional site on the shores of Rivière Moisie. This is the spark that will ignite aboriginal tourism and promote the treasured culture of the Innu of Uashat and Mani-Utenam. Upgrading of the Shaputuan museum will make this objective even more attainable.

According to data gathered in 2009 by Cruise the St. Lawrence Association and Ministère du Tourisme du Québec, economic benefits in ports of call could reach up to $100 per day per disembarking passenger. It is foreseeable that sustained tourism opportunities will help generate up to a half million dollars in spinoffs in our communities with a season like the one expected in 2010.

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Please click on this link to find the Green Marine press release.

SEPT-ÎLES, February 19, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce today the signing of an agreement with the federal government to develop the Pointe-Noire dock. The sum of $5 million was granted through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to build or renovate provincial, municipal, and local infrastructure. The announcement was made in the presence of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, as well as mining company representatives and other dignitaries from the Sept-Îles and Port-Cartier regions.

This development project at the Pointe-Noire dock represents a $10 million investment and will consist mainly of expanding dock 31 with a storage area and marine infrastructure in order to begin shipping operations for Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd., which plans to ship 8 million tons annually. The project received environmental authorization last week and will begin immediately. It is scheduled for completion in late 2010.

The Pointe-Noire dock was acquired from Wabush Mines in 1998. Over the last ten years, the Port of Sept-Îles has invested some $20 million in the structure. This new funding will provide greater berthing capacity at the Pointe-Noire dock and make use of the land behind it to create a maritime transshipment center for bulk cargo.

“This funding will have a major multiplier effect for everyone involved,” stated Port of Sept-Îles CEO Pierre D. Gagnon. “In addition to attracting an equal sum in private investments, the project will allow us to triple the volume of activity at the Pointe-Noire dock at a time when our iron mining industry is booming.”

“The arrival of new mining companies in our region requires that we increase our capacity in order to meet their shipping needs. Today’s announcement clearly indicates that the government is listening to the growing needs of our community and our iron industry, and for that we are very grateful,” added Port of Sept-Îles Chair of the Board Carol Soucy.

With a full range of high-performance equipment, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of North America’s leading iron ore ports and will now become Canada’s second largest in terms of annual volume handled, with over 35 million tons.

Sept-Iles’s 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.

SEPT-ILES, February 16, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce today the signing of rate agreements with Labrador Iron Mines Limited (LIM) and New Millenium Capital Corp. (NML), clearing the way for direct shipping iron ore (DSO) to the Pointe-Noire port facilities.

“These two new agreements will have a major impact on the port’s growth and development since they will eventually represent a combined total of an additional 7 million tons when operations are in full swing a few years from now”, stated Port of Sept-Îles CEO Pierre D. Gagnon. The two companies are currently starting to exploit iron deposits in Schefferville and Labrador.

“These two agreements, along with the one signed in October with Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd. (CLM), demonstrate how fast the iron industry is growing on the North Shore and in northern Quebec and Labrador. The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to be a part of that development and to work closely with these new mining companies to help them carry out their projects”, stated Port of Sept-Îles Chair of the Board Carol Soucy.

With a full range of high-performance equipment, the Port of Sept-Îles is one of North America’s leading iron ore ports and will now become Canada’s second largest in terms of annual volume handled, with over 35 million tons.

Sept-Iles’s 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.