The Port of Montréal has inaugurated its new Viau container terminal.

According to the port, the first phase of development of the terminal, which is operated by Termont Montréal Inc., increases the port’s annual handling capacity by 350,000 TEUs. The terminal features two post-Panamax cranes, five rubber-tyred gantry cranes, reefer stations and an on-terminal rail connection.

“The new Viau terminal will have a considerable impact,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority. “Ultimately, it will increase the Port of Montréal’s handling capacity by 2.1 million TEUs and generate significant benefits for the region, province and country as whole with annual spinoffs of C$340 million (US$253 million) and the creation of 2,500 direct and indirect jobs. The success of this project is the result of a significant collaboration between public and private organizations, including Termont Montréal Inc. and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. Moreover, the work was carried out with concern for communities and the environment. There is much to be proud of.”

Madeleine Paquin, president of Termont and president and CEO of Logistec Corporation, said that the Viau terminal is an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate to develop world-class facilities for the benefit of businesses and communities.

“Termont has invested approximately C$44 million (US$32.7 million) on equipment and container handling services to support strategic growth for customers of both the Port of Montréal and MSC,” she said. “Our combined investments have created the most modern and efficient container terminal along the St. Lawrence River, serving the northeastern part of the continent.”

Termont also operates Montréal’s Maisonneuve terminal, while Montréal Gateway Terminals Partnership operates the Cast and Racine terminals.

“We are proud to inaugurate our fourth international container terminal and share this occasion with our partners at Termont and MSC,” said Vachon. “The last time we inaugurated a container terminal was at Maisonneuve, nearly 30 years ago. We thank the Government of Canada and Termont for their financial contributions to this wonderful project. The Port of Montréal continues to reinvent itself and adapt to the needs of the market and its partners to maintain its role as a driver of economic growth and a leader in sustainable development.”

Viau’s second phase, which will be completed in the coming years, will add a second berth and boost capacity by another 250,000 TEUs, according to Termont.