Category: Press releases

Sept-Îles, December 17, 2013 – The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to have hosted the largest amount of bulk cargo ever loaded onto a ship in North American maritime history. At 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 15, an enormous iron ore cargo of 302,264 metric tons from the Bloom Lake mine, owned by Cliffs Natural Resources, left aboard the CSB Years to make its first delivery. The iron ore was transshipped in the bay of Sept-Îles with the assistance of the CSL Spirit self-unloader vessel.

The CSB Years is the first ocean-going giant of the Chinamax generation to come to North America and more specifically, to the deep sea Port of Sept-Îles. It will take nearly 57 days to reach its destination in China and deliver its cargo to Cliffs’ partner, Wuhan Iron and Steel Company (WISCO).

This historic record shatters the old record set in the Port of Sept-Îles 20 years ago on October 16, 1993, when 255,653 metric tons of iron ore were loaded aboard the Athesis Ore.

This cargo is worth over $40 million and contains enough iron ore to produce the equivalent of 6 Champlain bridges (Montreal, Quebec) or 200,000 cars, which would stretch 1,200 kilometers if they were placed end to end, i.e., the distance between Toronto and Sept-Îles.

“This new milestone puts the Port of Sept-Îles at a turning point in its history. Chinamax bulk carriers are the way of the future for large iron ore producers because of their operational efficiency and load capacity, which together, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the number and frequency of ships that anchor in the bay,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Sept-Îles.

ABOUT THE CSB YEARS

The recently built CSB Years is a “Chinamax” type bulk vessel, with a load capacity of 330,000 metric tons. Its length (330 meters) is equivalent to the height of the Eiffel Tower and its width (57 meters) is similar to that of a football field. Flying the flag of China, the CSB Years was registered in Hong Kong in January 2012 by Nianhua Shipping S.A.

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’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of many 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. Through its activity, the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

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SEPT-ÎLES, October 16, 2013 – Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) (Paris: CLF) (“Cliffs”) and the Port of Sept-Îles, announce that for the first time in North-America, a Chinamax type vessel will be loaded in the Bay of Sept-Îles, and will transport 300,000 metric tons of iron ore concentrate from Cliffs’ mine in Bloom Lake, to Asia.

“Cliffs’ team is proud of this historical milestone in North America,” said Don Gallagher, executive vice president and president – global operations of Cliffs. “This first shipment of iron ore product via Chinamax for our customer Wisco, is consistent with Cliffs’ core value of environmental stewardship and operational efficiencies. The technology and loading capacity (over 300,000 metric tons) of these larger vessels will allow us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as maritime traffic and enhance our competitiveness within the global iron ore market. It is exciting to see this new access road between Sept-Îles and Asia finally come to fruition.”

“We are witnessing a historical turning point today: the opening of our Port to the next generation of ore vessels of the planet. We must congratulate the initiative of our partner, Cliffs Natural Resources, who made this possible,” said the president & CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles, Pierre D. Gagnon.

About CSB Years

The CSB Years is a “Chinamax” type bulk vessel, with a loading capacity of 330,000 metric tons, measuring 330 meters long and 31.3 meters high. The CSB Years was registered in Hong Kong in January 2012 by the company Nianhua Shipping SA.

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. is an international mining and natural resources company. A member of the S&P 500 Index, the Company is a major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high-and low-volatile metallurgical coal. Cliffs’ strategy is to continually achieve greater scale and diversification in the mining industry through a focus on serving the world’s largest and fastest growing steel markets. Driven by the core values of social, environmental and capital stewardship, Cliffs associates across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency.

The Company is organized through a global commercial group responsible for sales and delivery of Cliffs’ products and a global operations group responsible for the production of the minerals the Company markets. Cliffs operates iron ore and coal mines in North America and an iron ore mining complex in Western Australia. In addition, Cliffs has a major chromite project, in the feasibility stage of development, located in Ontario, Canada.

News releases and other information on the Company are available on the Internet at:
http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com.

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’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of many 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. Through its activity, the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

News releases and other information are available on the Internet at: http://retd.ca/pdsi.

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CSB Years Specifications

Sept-Îles, October 7, 2013 – In response to the lawsuit filed on July 29 by Wabush Mines and its managing agent, Cliffs Mining Company, the Port of Sept-Îles filed a Statement of Defense with the Superior Court of the District of Mingan today in order to set the record straight and state its case.

The Port still believes that the parties need to reach an agreement on opening up Pointe-Noire port facilities to accommodate other companies that wish to use them.

Since 1998, the Port has invested over $33 million in the Pointe-Noire dock in order to increase the port’s capacity to accommodate Wabush Mines and also to honor requests from other companies that would like to use the port. The Port has also joined forces with private partners and the Canadian government to invest $220 million to build a new port terminal for the Quebec and Labrador mining industry.

Port president and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon would therefore like the parties to come back to the negotiating table so that Wabush Mines and the Port can meet their respective goals and assure that Pointe-Noire port facilities can be developed to accommodate new users and boost the economies of Quebec and Labrador.

Out of respect for the court, the Port of Sept-Îles will not be granting interviews regarding this case.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’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of many 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. Through its activity, the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

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Sept-Îles, August 26, 2013 – Cégep de Sept-Îles, the City of Sept-Îles, Corporation de protection de l’environnement de Sept-Îles, Développement économique Sept-Îles, and the Port of Sept-Îles this morning announced the creation of an environmental observatory for the Bay of Sept-Îles that will be headed by Institut nordique de recherche en environnement et en santé au travail (INREST).

“I’m pleased with the creation of this observatory, which testifies to the determination of the partners involved to work together on environmental and sustainable development issues. This initiative will give the community a comprehensive overview of the bay,” said Sept-Îles mayor Serge Lévesque.

In addition to providing an environmental overview, this project seeks to:

• Update and consolidate data and metrics on the bay’s environment;
• Produce an annual monitoring report drawing on data processed by INREST;
• Predict the bay’s capacity to accommodate acceptable projects that are safe for people and the environment;
• Help existing businesses improve their environmental performance, as warranted;
• Measure the results of conservation and environmental improvement efforts in the Bay of Sept-Îles.

“To our knowledge, this integrated and ongoing research approach for an ecosystem of this kind is a first in Quebec, and possibly in Canada as a whole. It helps position us as a pioneer in the environment and sustainable development matters,” asserted Donald Bherer, executive director of Cégep de Sept-Îles.

After several months of preparation, the stakeholders agreed on a process whose startup phase will be as follows:

1. Inventory and analysis of existing data (literature review)
2. Water quality and sediment sampling
3. Production and dissemination of a final report

“The current data is insufficient for developing a long-term, overall monitoring strategy, so this startup phase will enable INREST and its partners to better structure subsequent phases planned for 2014 and 2015,” said Dr. Julie Carrière, Eng., researcher and director of the new research institute.

This important project will enhance understanding of current and future environmental impacts thanks to the acquisition of credible and updated baseline data. In addition, it will support stakeholders in their decision making and environmental management while responding to public expectations and concerns.

“The new observatory integrates the objectives pursued by Green Marine. It will help protect our valuable marine ecosystems and ensure responsible planning based on sustainable development values. This innovative initiative reflects the environmental leadership of the Port and its partners,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.

It will cost close to $384,250 to get the first phase off the ground. Développement économique Sept-Îles will contribute $50,000, the Port of Sept-Îles $209,600, and Corporation de protection de l’environnement $124,650. “I would like to thank the City of Sept-Îles for providing the financial support we need to carry out this project, which has been several years in the making. It’s an environmental initiative that is key to the development of our community,” said Corporation executive director Stéphanie Prévost.

Work will begin soon, and the final report for the first phase is slated for fall 2014. Phase 2 of the project, planned for next year, is expected to include research on the benthic community, eelgrass, fish, phytoplankton, macroalgae, and physical and climate data, among other aspects.

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Project Highlights

SEPT-ÎLES, July 9, 2013 – Being now at mid-project schedule, the Port of Sept-Îles wishes to produce a progress review on Canada’s largest marine construction site.

With over 95% of project costs now known and incurred, the Port wants to declare its satisfaction with the favorable pricing that was obtained and will allow to deliver the project on budget ($220 million) and on time, with construction scheduled to wrap up in late March 2014.

The Port is also pleased that work is back in full swing after a provincial construction strike caused an eight-day work stoppage.

The Port would like to stress the considerable local spinoffs the project is currently generating:

• 80 to 90% of the 130 workers currently at the site are local.
• Over $20 million in services and equipment are provided by the following main local suppliers: Construction de lignes électriques N.G.E., Westburne, Nedco, Équipements Nordiques, Construction Tshiuetin, AXOR, and Bouchard & Blanchette Marine.

“We’re also very happy with the proactive support and cooperation of the teams from Pomerleau and Sandvik Canada, which have worked closely with our team to complete construction of the country’s biggest bulk port terminal,” said Port president and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon.

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’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of many 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. Through its activity, the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

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OTTAWA – Port Sept-Iles received a Special Award for Support to the Reserve Force in a ceremony Friday at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) presented the award to Port President, Mr. Pierre Gagnon at the Council’s Tenth Biennial National Employer Support Awards. The awards are held to recognize and honour government business and educational institutions for their support of the Primary Reserve Force.

Lieutenant Commander Francois Levesque, Commanding Officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) JOILLET, the Naval Reserve Division, in Sept-Iles Quebec, nominated Port Sept-Iles to receive the award. “Mr. Pierre Gagnon, President and Director General of Port Sept-Iles, is a fervent promoter of HMCS Jolliet and the Naval Reserve in Sept-Iles. Our two organizations have shown exemplary collaboration in the region,” said Levesque, who praised Port Sept-Iles, which has helped promote the unit in the local area. “The Post has even referred employees of Port Sept-Iles to HMCS Jolliet for enrollment in the Naval Reserves.” Lévesque served 10 years in the Army Reserve as Logistic Officer and other various positions before transferring to the Regular Force as a Naval Officer in 2001. He is currently enrolled with Université du Québec through distance learning to complete his Business degree.

Similar awards were presented to 19 organizations from across Canada, including business and academic institutions, recognized for their outstanding support to Canadian Armed Forces Reserve members. Vice-Admiral Bruce Donaldson, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and many other senior military and government officials were among the more than 150 nominators, recipients, and guests attendance. Retired veteran journalist, Mr. Don Newman served as master of ceremonies for the event, which was held amidst the historic military artifacts of the Canadian War Museum’s LeBreton Gallery.

The CFLC is a group of civilian business leaders and educators who volunteer their time and effort to promote the primary Reserve Force – Canada’s part-time military – by highlighting the benefits of Reserve Force training and experience to the civilian workplace.

The mandate of the CFLC is to enhance the availability of Reservists for military duty by obtaining the support and co-operation of organization leaders in Canada. The CFLC’s vision is that all organization leaders in Canada actively support Reservists.

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SEPT-ÎLES, January 21, 2013 – The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce a 7.5% increase in volume handled over the previous year, reaching 28 million tons. This increase is primarily due to the growing volume of iron ore handled and especially to the expanding volume of Labrador Iron Mines, which accounts for more than 80% of the growth.

In a historical and unprecedented move, the federal government kicked off the year 2012 by announcing $55 million in funding for the Port, covering a quarter of the new multi-user dock’s $220 million price tag.

In the wake of this major announcement, five more partners joined in and agreed to finance half of the project. These partners are Alderon Iron Ore Corp., Champion Iron Mines Limited, Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, New Millennium Iron Corp., and Tata Steel Minerals Canada Limited.

We should also mention that the very first maritime week took place September 27 to October 4 thanks to the cooperation of many partners, such as Ville de Sept-Îles, NCSM Jolliet, and Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu. The event was a tremendous success, with over 2,000 people participating in the various activities.

We would also like to point out the Port’s major contribution to the community throughout the year. Fondation du Centre hospitalier de Sept-Îles received a record $250,000 in donations from the Port of Sept-Îles for the automation and consolidation of CSSS de Sept-Îles’s laboratory. The Port’s “5 à huîtres maritime” fundraiser for the Élyme des sables palliative care centre, which brought in a record-setting $115,000 last October, is also worthy of mention. In total, the Port contributed over half a million dollars to the community, considering all the causes and organizations it supported last year.

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’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operation of many 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, January 12, 2013 – The M/V ETERNUS, an Isle of Man registered vessel, sailing from Falmouth, United Kingdom, was the first ship to arrive in Sept-Îles this year, at 5:20 a.m. on January 4, 2013. The vessel arrived empty and finally docked on January 11 at Rio Tinto IOC dock Nº 2. It will set sail again with 162,721 metric tons of iron ore destined for Dunkirk, France.

Mr. Pierre D. Gagnon, president & CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles, presented Captain Miroslaw Kaczmarczyk with the prestigious cane bearing the Port of Sept-Îles insignia.

Several gifts were presented to the Captain by Ms. Lorraine Dubuc-Johnson, pro-mayor of the City of Sept-Îles, as well as by representatives of Rio Tinto IOC.

This tradition, now in its 26th 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.

In 2012, the prestigious cane was transformed in order to showcase the materials that form the basis of the Port operations, iron and aluminum. The more contemporary version of the cane is a reflection of the Port logo, with its stylised polished aluminum head supporting an iron ore rock whose brilliance is reflected in a half sphere of acrylic. The seven stars of the Port logo which represent the seven islands in the Bay of Sept-Îles have been reproduced in gold on the band of the cane. The head of the cane is mounted on a dark rosewood shaft that brings warmth and prestige to the creation.

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 in terms of annual volume handled with close to 30 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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Information Sheet – M/V Eternus

First Ships of the Year

SEPT-ÎLES, October 29, 2012 – With the third edition of the “5 à huîtres maritime” event complete, the organizing committee is proud to announce that the final amount collected was $115,000. This impressive figure was made possible thanks to surprise offerings from three major companies in the process of setting up shop in the region—McKeil Marine and Arrimage Québec donated $7,000 each, and CN made a $15,000 contribution.

Chef Ian Perreault was this year’s special guest. In addition to helping Club Richelieu volunteers concoct special recipes for the activity, Mr. Perreault and his wife Mélanie amazed over three hundred guests with their culinary skills and original oyster recipes.

Thank you and congratulations to the many volunteers who did an amazing job setting up and tearing down the activity.

Third edition of the “5 à huîtres maritime”

This was the third edition of this charity event organized by the Port of Sept-Îles in collaboration with Club Richelieu, the HMCS Jolliet (Naval Reserve) and Élyme des sables to collect as much money as possible to help support the ongoing operation of the Sept-Îles palliative care centre. Last year, over $84,500 were raised.

Participants had two options to choose from. The Rockefeller version at $500 per person consisted of a tasting of gourmet oyster dishes, while the Malpèque version at $100 per person was for raw oyster lovers looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The fresh oyster tasting was accompanied by a buffet dinner. The evening also featured entertainment, free drinks, contests, music, and door prizes.

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SEPT-ÎLES, October 18, 2012 – With only one week to go before the third edition of the “5 à huîtres maritime” event, the organizing committee has already confirmed the presence of two hundred guests. Tickets are only on sale for one more week, and the committee is eagerly awaiting the final participants who will make the evening a success. Chef Ian Perreault will be the special guest this year. In addition to helping Club Richelieu volunteers concoct special recipes for the activity, Mr. Perreault will be demonstrating his culinary talents during the evening.

A shuttle service will be available between the parking lot of the old Canadian Tire (corner of Maltais and Arnaud) and the Naval Reserve at 366 Arnaud Avenue.

Third edition of the “5 à huîtres maritime”

This charity event organized by the Port of Sept-Îles in collaboration with Club Richelieu, the HMCS Jolliet (Naval Reserve) and the Élyme des sables palliative care centre, is now in its third edition. It features an original concept designed to collect as much money as possible to help support the ongoing operation of the Sept-Îles palliative care centre. Last year, over $84,500 were raised.

Participants have two options to choose from. The Rockefeller version at $500 per person consists of a tasting of gourmet oyster dishes, while the Malpèque version at $100 per person is for raw oyster lovers looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The fresh oyster tasting is accompanied by a buffet dinner. The evening will also feature entertainment, free drinks, contests, music, and door prizes.

Tickets are on sale at the Port of Sept-Îles (418 968-1231) and will be available at the Naval Reserve entrance starting at 5 p.m. on the day of the activity.

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