Category: Press releases

SEPT-ÎLES, January 17, 2011 – The Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce today the initial observations from an exceptional year in its history. In addition to registering the highest business volume in thirty years with 25.1 million tons handled, compared to 19.8 million tons in 2009, the Sept-Îles Port Authority posted a record year with nearly $70 million invested in Port development.

The strong recovery of iron ore in 2010—with growth of 29%—pushed tonnage past the 25 million mark, a feat last achieved in 1981. Arrival of the new producer Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines and its shipments to Asia starting in July led to a 76% increase in volume at the Pointe-Noire terminal with 2.4 million tons handled.

The railcar ferry between Sept-Îles and Matane handled nearly 100,000 metric tons, an astounding 85% increase for La Relance terminal. This included almost 58,000 metric tons of aluminum travelling on the Blue Highway, up 42% from last year. It is worth noting that the railcar ferry service translated into an average of one fewer truck per hour on Route 138 over the entire year.

Investments in 2010 attained a level unparalleled since the Port’s inception. More than a quarter billion dollars of private funds and Port monies was invested in Port properties. At the peak of the season, the Port boasted more than 700 workers and five construction sites, including Pointe-Noire and La Relance terminals, the Consolidated Thompson project, and the cruise ship dock.

The past year was also marked by the opening of the cruise ship dock on October 4. Sept-Îles residents were invited to celebrate the arrival of the first ship at the new dock, a simply spectacular event. Over one thousand people came out to take part in festivities marking the departure of the Norwegian Spirit. Three ships dropped anchor in the Bay of Sept-Îles in 2010. More than 7,500 passengers and crew members took advantage of the unique appeal of Sept-Îles and its many services, with an average disembarkation rate of over 80%.

The Port of Sept-Îles also received two highly prestigious prizes in 2010, including the St. Lawrence Award from SODES (Société de développement économique du Saint-Laurent), given annually to recognize exceptional results and projects that have contributed to the economic development or enhancement of the St. Lawrence River. The second was the Transportation Excellence Award from AQTR (Association québécoise du transport et des routes), received jointly with CN for its railcar ferry service.

“Everything is in place for the Port of Sept-Îles to reclaim its position as the second largest Canadian port in 2011. A number of challenges await us again this year. Construction of a deepwater multi-user dock is expected to begin this year to meet the growing needs of our current and future users. We must provide high quality facilities for our partners so they can be more competitive in today’s market, and we will take the appropriate steps to reach our goals,” said president and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon.

“In the last year, both levels of government have supported future development of the Port of Sept-Îles by contributing to a number of key projects for our industries through the federal government’s Economic Stimulus Fund and Community Diversification Program (International Cruise Ports of Call component) as well as Québec’s Programme d’aide à la stratégie des croisières,” added Carol Soucy, chair of the board. “We have also benefited from an outstanding partnership with our users that led to the completion of these projects. On behalf of the entire Port of Sept-Îles team, I’d like to thank them for their support, which reflects their confidence in our flourishing region.”

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 this year will become Canada’s second largest, with an anticipated annual volume of over 32 million tons. Sept-Îles’ port facilities play a vital and strategic role in the operations of a number of businesses active in 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.

The Port of Sept-Îles will also host some 200 delegates at the 53rd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities from August 7 to 10, 2011. Port activity at the Port of Sept-Îles therefore remains a significant source of economic and social wealth for the region, for Quebec, and for Canada.

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SEPT-ÎLES, January 7, 2011 – The Port of Sept-Îles is pleased to announce that the M/V E. R. Bergamo was the first ship of 2011 to enter the Port of Sept-Îles at around 2 p.m. on January 3. Given heavy traffic at La Relance terminal, the ship was unable to dock until today to deliver its 44,101 metric ton shipment of alumina to Aluminerie Alouette. Flying a Liberian flag, the ship arrived from Vila Do Conde in Brazil. Once unloaded, she will set sail for New Orleans, USA, around January 11.

In keeping with the 24 year old tradition, a brief onboard ceremony will be held early next week at which the ship’s captain, Roman L. Cuaresma, will be awarded the prestigious gold-headed cane bearing the Port of Sept-Îles insignia by Pierre D. Gagnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Sept-Îles, accompanied by representatives from Aluminerie Alouette and Lower St. Lawrence Ocean Agencies.

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 this year will become Canada’s second largest in terms of expected annual volume handled, with over 32 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.

The Port of Sept-Îles will also host some 200 delegates at the 53rd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities August 7–10, 2011. Port activity at the Port of Sept-Îles therefore represents a significant source of economic and social wealth creation for the region, Quebec, and Canada.

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SEPT-ÎLES, October 27, 2010 – As part of Quebec Marine Day, the Port of Sept-Îles was named winner of the St. Lawrence Award from the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES) during an event held in the National Assembly in the company of elected officials and marine industry representatives.

The St. Lawrence Award is given annually to recognize exceptional results and projects that have contributed to the economic development or enhancement of the St. Lawrence River while respecting sustainable development principles.

The Port of Sept-Îles received the award for its overall achievements in the past year. Thanks to the federal government’s economic stimulus program and the provincial-federal St. Lawrence cruise industry development program, the Port realized more than $85 million in capital activities, allowing expansion of the Pointe-Noire and La Relance port terminals and construction of a new cruise ship dock. These activities have also generated significant spinoffs, with more than a quarter billion dollars invested when the private sector is included and the creation of many jobs and major contracts for the St. Lawrence and North Shore maritime business community.

In particular, these investments will make it possible to triple business volume at the Pointe-Noire terminal, optimize the La Relance terminal (the biggest aluminum industry terminal in the Americas), and develop the area as a new cruise ship stopover on the St. Lawrence River.

The Port will also welcome the arrival of three new iron industry partners with the signing of agreements for new business volumes equivalent to 15 million tons a year.

“This prestigious honor from the maritime industry, combined with the AQTR Transportation Excellence Award received in May, tops off a truly exceptional year for the Port of Sept-Îles. These successes and accomplishments were made possible, above all, thanks to the close collaboration between the Port of Sept-Îles and its partners! We are very pleased to receive this recognition and share it with all our partners, since the award highlights the Port’s and its users’ valuable contribution to wealth creation on the St. Lawrence River,” said Mr. Gagnon and Mr. Soucy, respectively Port of Sept-Îles president and CEO and chairman of the board.

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’ 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.

ABOUT SODES
The St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES) is a nonprofit organization tasked with representing and promoting the economic interests of the St. Lawrence marine industry while respecting the key principles of sustainable development. Its members, who represent all segments of the maritime community, include ship owners, ports, maritime transport shippers-users, stevedoring companies, marine terminals, pilot corporations, port cities, and many others. SODES acts as a leader and spokesperson for the St. Lawrence maritime community.

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SEPT-ÎLES, October 4, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles, the City of Sept-Îles, and the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) Band Council—the three pioneering partners involved in promoting the region’s development as an international cruise ship port of call—proudly inaugurated a brand new cruise ship dock today.

Attending the inaugural ceremony were Nicole Ménard, Québec’s Minister of Tourism, accompanied by Serge Simard, Minister responsible for the North Shore region and Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife, along with numerous distinguished guests and representatives from area communities. The dignitaries took part in a symbolic ribbon cutting to open the new dock, which marked the historic occasion by receiving its first ship, the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit.

It was a case of “mission accomplished” for the Pomerleau company, whose dedicated employees helped deliver this new gem of regional strategic infrastructure on time, on budget, and, most importantly, without workplace accidents.

It also should be noted that the financial partnership between the federal and provincial governments was made possible by Canada Economic Development’s Support Initiative for International Cruise Development and Tourisme Québec’s Programme d’aide à la stratégie des croisières, which covered two-thirds of the costs, while local partners took on equal one-third shares of the remaining investment, which totaled $20.6 million.

“We are thrilled to welcome this first cruise ship to our dock,” said Carol Soucy, Chairman of the Board of the Port of Sept-Îles. “We hope that ‘the locals’ will come out to share this memorable event, seeing the Norwegian Spirit off and making this new development tool for our beautiful region their own.”

“The vitality of these partners enabled us to seize the opportunity to benefit from significant aid programs that will also improve our tourist infrastructure and facilities,” said Sept-Îles mayor Serge Lévesque, adding that to date, significant economic spinoffs of nearly $1.5 million will have been generated for the first two seasons.

The Innu community sees the project as the ideal springboard to promote and enhance its singular and distinctive touristic offering. “This is a wonderful chance to showcase our culture and our traditions. In addition, we are extremely proud to greet those traveling by water, which recalls the days when our ancestors welcomed the first Europeans to our lands,” said Innu chief Georges-Ernest Grégoire.

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SEPT-ÎLES, September 13, 2010 – The Port of Sept-Îles is proud to announce today that prime minister of Canada Stephen Harper is here to launch the second phase of the project to increase the Relance Terminal’s capacity. The terminal’s main client is Aluminerie Alouette. A grant of $7 million or 50% of project costs has been awarded through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for the rehabilitation or construction of infrastructure. This announcement took place during a ceremony to mark the inauguration of the large concrete silo number 8, part of the initial $30 million project. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, was also present, as were Aluminerie Alouette representatives and other dignitaries from the Sept-Îles region.

Phase 2 of the project to increase La Relance Terminal’s capacity represents a total investment of $14 million. The money will go into optimizing the largest aluminum industry port terminal in the Americas. The project principally involves the construction of a logistical center for aluminum management, improvements to docking systems, an increase in electrical capacity, and the establishment of a new service building for terminal security.

These investments will accommodate the growing needs of terminal users, particularly Aluminerie Alouette. For the company, the completion of this second optimization phase ensures it can remain competitive and protect its international position as it tackles future challenges.

The first phase of the expansion, announced in September 2009, represented a total investment of $30 million, half of which came from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. An additional petroleum coke silo was built along with its materials distribution center, and the capacity of loading equipment was increased.

“Government assistance for the second phase of investment in this, the largest aluminum terminal in the Americas, will allow the Port of Sept-Îles to fully assume its role as a catalyst for development,” declared Pierre D. Gagnon, Port of Sept-Îles president and CEO. “It now has the necessary infrastructure to handle the growth of a world leader like Aluminerie Alouette.”

“In the last year, the federal government has supported future development of the Port of Sept-Îles by contributing to the implementation of four of the most important projects for our industries through its Economic Stimulus Fund,” added Carol Soucy, chair of the board. “That’s over $63 million for projects critical to our regional and national economy. On behalf of the port and regional communities, I’d like to thank the federal government for its support in meeting the needs of this flourishing region.”

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 at 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 is therefore a significant source of wealth creation in Quebec and for all of Canada.

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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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