Transport Canada announced an investment of up to $10 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund for the Port of Sept-Îles. The project involves updating the Monseigneur-Blanche terminal at the port to better support marine towing and navigation assistance services for port traffic.
“This project underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations while bolstering Canada’s competitiveness in the global market. By addressing critical transportation bottlenecks and enhancing our trade corridors, we are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and prosperity for all Canadians,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport.
More specifically, the project will:
- maintain trade volumes by providing safe infrastructure for marine towing services;
- maintain and secure tugboat operations to better serve cargo vessels;
- provide the iron and aluminum industry with navigational assistance for the ocean-going ship movements that use the port;
- maintain the port’s supply and export chains;
- ensure the continuity of cruise ship operations; and
- ensure the terminal is safe and more resilient to climate change.
“As we know, the Port of Sept-Îles is the cornerstone of marine transportation in Quebec, which is why our government firmly believes in its potential. With today’s announcement, we are giving them the tools they need to maintain their momentum, and thus continue to stimulate not only the region’s economy, but also to promote the Côte-Nord internationally,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
This investment is a long-term commitment to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to address transportation bottlenecks, and improve safety, security and efficiency along Canada’s trade corridors.
“The Port of Sept-Îles plays a key role in the economy of our city and the entire region. Its facilities are undoubtedly a major strategic asset to attract new industries to Sept-Îles. [Today’s] announcement, which will allow the Port to adapt its infrastructure in response to the challenge of climate change, is excellent news for our community and promises interesting development prospects,” said Denis Miousse, Mayor of Sept-Îles.
“The modernization of the Mgr Blanche terminal will ensure the reliability and safety of maritime services for our users, as well as the safe and sustainable accessibility of this meeting place, which offers our citizens a unique panoramic view of the Bay of Sept-Îles. This will ensure that the largest mineral port in North America and the second largest in the country in terms of activity will have the quality infrastructure it needs to guarantee the solidity of its supply chains and promote the growth of its exports,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO, Port of Sept-Îles.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
