Date : 28 may 2015 | 10 h
Place : NCSM Jolliet
Annual general meeting 2015
Arrival of M/V Happy Star with the Two Largest Shiploaders in North America
SEPT-ÎLES, February 12, 2015 — The Port of Sept-Îles is very pleased to announce the arrival of the M/V Happy Star with the two gigantic shiploaders destined for the port’s multi-user dock. The ship, which left the Port of Longxue in Nansha, China, on December 29 for a 43-day, 10,275-nautical-mile voyage via the Panama Canal, arrived in Sept-Îles at 7:30 a.m. yesterday. Immediately on arrival, the M/V Happy Star docked at the multi-user dock and began unloading. The new equipment will complete this world-class facility, increasing its loading capacity to make it the highest in North America.
The M/V Happy Star, which specializes in this type of transport, is the property of BigLift Shipping, one of the world’s leading oversized cargo carriers. The shipowner anticipates that unloading could take between 14 and 21 days, given the scale and complexity of the operation. The cargo consists of two shiploaders, including elevator and tripper car, and 27 conveyor galleries totaling 73 components and weighing in at 3,023 metric tons, each shiploader weighing 1,200 tons.
The equipment manufacturer, Sandvik Canada, deployed an innovative solution to carry the shiploaders, conveyors, and components aboard a single ship and ensure they were unloaded in the proper sequence to optimize installation dockside. These cutting edge shiploaders were assembled using North American components for the drive system, electrification, and instrumentation. These components were shipped to the assembly site by container ahead of time.
This is the recently built M/V Happy Star’s maiden voyage to North America, and the ship and its remarkable cargo even attracted the attention of the producers of the Discovery Channel show Mighty Ships. A camera team from the show joined the vessel for its Panama Canal crossing in order to put together a feature on the transport and unloading of these extraordinary giant machines at the Port of Sept-Îles.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting diverse state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s leading ore-handling port, with an annual volume of close to 28 million tons. The port infrastructure at Sept-Îles plays 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.
2014: A 15th Anniversary Year to Remember
SEPT-ÎLES, January 21, 2015 – The Port of Sept-Îles was pleased today to deliver the results for the year that just ended—an unforgettable year that marked the local port authority’s 15th anniversary. All through the year numerous community collaborators, organizations, partners, and supporters took part in programming a fabulous array of anniversary activities. The port authority took every opportunity to strengthen its ties to the local community, including service as honorary patron of a special “Safe Harbour for All” edition of Vieux-Quai en Fête and hosting some 4,000 guests for Maritime Week, with a launch by the governor general of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.
The acquisition by the Port of Sept-Îles of Mylène Paquette’s famous rowboat the Hermel and Paquette’s participation in the 5th annual “5 à Huîtres maritime” were two more high points of this 15th anniversary year. The Port acquired this priceless artifact of Paquette’s achievement in April to serve as a symbol and attraction for travellers to the area and in the Port’s maritime educational activities.
Activities Report
Annual results unfortunately showed activity at the Port down 14% at some 23.8 million tons handled, compared to 27.7 million tons the previous year. The permanent closure of the Wabush Scully Mine in February and the suspension of operations at Labrador Iron Mines due to slumping iron markets are the principal culprits.
The 2014 year saw completion of construction on the $220 million multi-user dock, which coincided with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit in October.
The local spinoff effects of Canada’s biggest maritime construction project must also be mentioned, as close to 70% of jobs were filled by local workers and local goods and services procurement was in the tens of millions of dollars.
Operational delivery of the dock is slated for spring with the arrival and installation of two ship loaders in Q1 2015. “There’s never been a better time for the dock to open,” declared Port of Sept-Îles president and CEO Pierre Gagnon. “Its size and capacity, unequalled in North America, will mean significant economies of scale for new players in the iron industry, urgently needed in the current depressed market conditions”.
Thanks
The Port of Sept-Îles would like to salute and thank the numerous collaborators to which these 15th anniversary celebrations owe their resounding success: the NCSM Jolliet, the City of Sept-Îles, the team at Vieux-Quai en Fête, Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu, all the community businesses and organizations, and all the many volunteers. Thank you for making the events of the 15th anniversary of your local Port of Sept-Îles port authority wonderful and memorable!
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting diverse, state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is North America’s leading ore-handling port, with an annual volume of close to 25 million tons. It plays a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. Annual economic impacts are estimated at nearly $1 billion and nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Port of Sept-Îles Hands Out its 28th Cane to the First Ship of the Year
Sept-Îles, January 6th, 2015 – The M/V Cape Nelson, a Chinese registered vessel, sailing from Imbutiba Brezil, was the first ship to arrive in Sept-Îles this year, at 9h25 on January 4th, 2015. The vessel arrived laden with 14 328 metric tons of Petroleum Coke for Aluminerie Alouette, will set sail again on January 7th 2015, destined for a foreign port.
During a short ceremony, Mr Shawn Grant, Harbour Master of the Port of Sept-Îles, presented Captain Jin Qiu Ze, with the prestigious cane bearing the Port of Sept-Îles insignia.
Several gifts were presented to the Captain by Aluminerie Alouette and Lower St-Lawrence Ocean Agencies.
This tradition, now in its 28th year, marks 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 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.
Cliffs Withdraws its Lawsuit
SEPT-ÎLES, December 16, 2014 – The Port of Sept-Îles announced that Cliffs Natural Resources, through its affiliates Wabush Iron Co. Limited and Wabush Resources Inc., has withdrawn the civil lawsuit filed July 29, 2013, in the Superior Court concerning its application for an interlocutory injunction against the Port.
This action was intended to compel the Port to give the consent required to upgrade wharf 30 at the Pointe-Noire terminal. On October 7, 2013, the Port filed an objection in the Superior Court of the District of Mingan to set the record straight and state its case.
Cliffs Emergency Committee
The Port of Sept-Îles is satisfied with the outcome of this case and considers it closed. The Port will seek to actively contribute to the Cliffs Emergency Committee as part of its statutory role as development agent supporting the regional community.
The purpose of the Cliffs Emergency Committee is to lessen the negative impact of the mine closure by acting as a key local negotiating partner for both the government and Cliffs regarding the sale of the latter’s assets, coordinating initiatives to assist the workforce, and developing a strategy for SMEs that subcontract for the mining company.
The Port of Sept-Îles will issue no further comment on this subject.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume of over 25 million tons. Sept-Îles’s port facilities play a vital and strategic role in Eastern Canada’s economy. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with some 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
2015 Tariffs Increase Notice
The Port of Sept-Îles gives notice, pursuant to article 51 of the Canada Marine Act, that the under-mentioned tariffs are to be increased as indicated, pursuant to the powers granted by article 49 of the said law, effective February 1st, 2015 and until December 31, 2015.
- N-1 Berthage and anchorage dues 2.5%
- N-2 Harbour dues 2.5%
- N-3 Wharfage dues 2.5%*
- N-12 Water dues 2.5%
- N-15 Ramp Use 2.5%
- N-16 Tariffs for security services 2.0%
- N-19 Tariffs of passenger charges 2.5%
- N-20 Tariffs for the rental of a gangway 2.5%
* Apart from: petroleum products 5.0% or otherwise according to the article
Please click on this link to find our 2015 tariffs increase notice
The Port of Sept-Îles Reacts to a Legal Mortage by Pomerleau Inc.
SEPT-ÎLES, October 24, 2014 – With regard to the legal mortgage filed by Pomerleau Inc., the Port of Sept-Îles wishes to declare that this action will have no impact.
Legally, under the constitution of the Port of Sept-Îles as a Canadian port authority, the land and property under its management and administration cannot be subjected to any legal mortgage because of its status of federal property.
Furthermore, the Port of Sept-Îles strongly disputes any additional sums claimed by Pomerleau Inc., above and beyond the contract amount, for additional expenses that it may have incurred. Following analysis of the situation, these appear to have actually resulted from the contractor’s lack of foresight and from operational issues for which it is responsible.
As a result, the Port has asked its lawyers to explore the possibility of filing its own claim against the contractor for delays at the site. Since the matter is now in the hands of its attorneys, the Port of Sept-Îles will make no further comment.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume close to 30 million tons. Sept-Îles’s port facilities play a vital and strategic role in Eastern Canada’s economy. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with some 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper to Visit Multi-User Dock
SEPT-ÎLES, October 14, 2014 – In a day that has seen announcements from two levels of government, the Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce today that Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the worksite of the new multi-user dock, which has reached a significant milestone with the completion of civil engineering works.
Prime Minister Harper was accompanied by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Jean D’Amour, Quebec’s Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy.
The construction phase of the multi-user dock, widely considered the largest maritime construction project in Canada, is now complete. All that remains is to install loading equipment. The $220 million construction project was made possible by a 25% contribution from the federal government under the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. Of the remaining 75%, private dock users Alderon Iron Ore, Champion Iron Mines, Labrador Iron Mines, New Millenium, and Tata Steel Canada contributed 50%, while the Port of Sept-Îles covered the other 25%.
“Federal government funding was pivotal in helping us bring the five new dock users on board as financial partners,” noted Carol Soucy, Chair of the Sept-Îles Port Authority Board of Directors. “By contributing to this project, which will have a huge impact in the region and all of Eastern Canada, the government has sent a clear message of strong support towards our region.”
The construction site will be closed by late October. Two shiploaders, currently in the final fabrication phases in China, are expected to be delivered in January and installed in early 2015. The multi-user dock is slated to open around early summer 2015.
“This strategic facility will pave the way for future development in the region and the Labrador Trough,” noted Sept-Îles Port Authority President and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon. “The dock will be able to service the world’s largest bulk carriers, known as “Chinamax” class vessels—the way of the future for bulk shipping. Thanks to their operational efficiency and larger capacity, these ships will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the number of ships moored in the bay.”
The dock is also a powerful driver of regional employment, both during and after construction. Nearly 1,000 jobs were created during the two years of construction, and 70% of them were filled by local workers. Once the dock is in service, it will create 150 to 200 new local jobs in such areas as railway transport, handling, and stockpiling. There will also be 2,500 to 3,000 new jobs in the mining sector as new mining companies set up operations since the delivery of the new shipping facility.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume of nearly 30 million tons. Sept-Îles’s port facilities play a vital and strategic role in Eastern Canada’s economy. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with some 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Resounding Success for the 15th Anniversary Maritime Week
SEPT-ÎLES, October 6, 2014 – The Port of Sept-Îles and event partners are thrilled by the resounding success of the second edition of Maritime Week, part of the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the local port authority. Nearly 4,000 people took part.
Two port days on the weekend of October 4 and 5 drew over 1,200 to wind up the week of enriching activities. The crowds had a chance to gather under the bigtop and get to know the main industries and organizations that make up the region’s maritime community and witness the first public appearance of Ms. Mylène Paquette’s celebrated oceangoing rowboat, the Hermel.
The opening of the festivities was held in the presence of guests of honour Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Ms. Sharon Johnston, who then cut the traditional ribbon.
“Early in the week, we were treated to the arrival of three cruise ships in three days,” said Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu (DSIN) Executive Director, Mr. Mario Sévigny. “That gave us a chance to show off Sept-Îles’ legendary hospitality, and we pulled it off magnificently. Working together, our many exhibitors and Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu partners welcomed over 2,500 passengers and crew members.”
“This event was a huge success, thanks to the generous contributions of over twenty exhibitors, including local businesses, organisations, and artisans as well as the many individuals who lent their talents, and we are very grateful to all of them,” said Director of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Patsy Keays.
“The tremendous involvement of the community was truly outstanding, as was the invaluable support of the NCSM Jolliet Naval Reserve and the City of Sept-Îles,” stated President and CEO, Mr. Pierre D. Gagnon. “Everything came together to make our Maritime Week unforgettable.”
ABOUT THE PORT OF SEPT-ÎLES
Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume close to 30 million tons. Sept-Îles’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the economy of Eastern Canada. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with nearly 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Alouette opens Aluminium Logistics Centre at Relance Terminal in Sept-Îles
SEPT-ÎLES, August 21, 2014 — In the presence of a number of North Shore economic leaders, Jean D’Amour, Minister of Transportation and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy, Pierre Boisvert, Chairman of the Alouette Metal Shipping Committee and representative of the Shareholders’ Committee, André Martel, President and CEO Aluminerie Alouette, and Pierre D. Gagnon, CEO Port of Sept-Îles, cut the ribbon to officially open the Aluminium Logistics Centre, located at the Relance Terminal.
The new building, which includes cutting-edge automated equipment, required a total investment of close to $20 million. It is part of Phase 2 of a project aimed at boosting the capacity of the Relance Terminal. Construction of the Aluminium Logistics Centre was announced in 2010 by Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. Now operational, the 6,400-square-meter building has a storage capacity of 15,000 tonnes of aluminium. Before being shipped to customers over the “Blue Highway,” the metal is stockpiled in the new facility, where it is handled by an automated management system featuring automatic guided vehicles.
According to Pierre Boisvert, “Maximizing modes of use of the maritime seaway to ship our aluminium to international markets is an integral part of Alouette’s strategy for ensuring its long-term operations.” André Martel added, “The creation of this type of warehouse, with its leading-edge equipment, has a number of benefits in terms of both costs and productivity, and that help us stay competitive and meet our growing transportation logistic needs.” This type of innovation, combined with optimization of shipping work methods, means considerably faster ship loading and, by extension, reduces the time that ships spend at dock. Infrastructure is thus available for additional loading. Thanks to automation, Alouette is well positioned to deploy its growth projects. Construction of a closed building in a strategic location close to the ship loading area also means that aluminium sows are protected from the weather, especially during the winter.
“With the Aluminium Logistics Centre, Aluminerie Alouette now has access to a unique and innovative solution. Perfectly aligned with the Maritime Strategy that our government wishes to implement, this center will increase the competitiveness and the transshipment capacity of the Port of Sept-Îles, as well as reinforce the intermodal transport chain. This shows that it is possible to propel Quebec economy while giving a new impulse to our maritime industry”, said Mr. D’Amour.
Aluminerie Alouette ships over 450,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per year — about 80% of its production — via one of the aluminium industry’s largest port facilities in the Americas. In Pierre D. Gagnon’s words, “As a partner in an economic development project like this, the Port of Sept-Îles contributes actively to making the region an international aluminium shipment hub”. Construction of the Aluminium Logistics Centre was made possible by the financial participation of the Federal Government, via the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and the Quebec Ministry of Transportation (MTQ), via Part 3 of an assistance program aimed at reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, known by the french acronym “PARAGES.” In addition to main contractor, Hatch, a number of regional (Métal 7, Construction BLH, Groupe Trinor, Voltek), national (Mecfor, Rotalec) and international (FROG) companies took part in the construction project.
About Aluminerie Alouette
Established in 1992, Aluminerie Alouette is an independent aluminium producer. With close to 1,000 employees and an annual production capacity of 600,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, Alouette is the largest employer in Sept-Îles and the largest aluminium smelter in the Americas. The state-of-the-art Sept-Îles facility is a world reference in terms of energy efficiency and meets all government environmental standards.
About the Port of Sept-Îles
Boasting a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Sept-Îles is the leading iron ore port in North America, with an annual volume of over 30 million tonnes. Its infrastructure plays a vital and strategic role in supporting the Eastern Canadian economy. The Port’s annual economic impact is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with close to 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.