THE DEEP-WATER CONTAINER TERMINAL PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

05/03/2018

THE DEEP-WATER CONTAINER TERMINAL PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

QUÉBEC, Thursday, May 3, 2018 - The Québec Port Authority (QPA) unveiled the deep-water container terminal project to the public in Québec last December and today presented its initial progress report: more than 135 groups took part in the latest series of consultations; international trade proposals have been positively received; a document responding to the first round of questions was just filed with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA); and the project is becoming increasingly tangible following the launch of the operational configuration study.

On the occasion of this initial progress report, QPA President and CEO Mario Girard took the opportunity to emphasize the strategic importance of the project for both the Québec region and the province as a whole. “With the Panama Canal expansion and an irreversible trend towards bigger and bigger ships, the Québec deep-water container terminal project will help the St. Lawrence Seaway compete with ports on the US East Coast. Our project complements the existing offer to make Québec a stronger competitor.” Let’s recall that the project, which requires a $400M investment, will generate $287M in annual economic benefits and 2,700 jobs for Quebec.

A transparent and meticulous process

Every aspect of the project to build a deep-water container terminal as part of the Beauport port sector expansion is moving forward in a structured manner.

Public consultations: More than 135 groups from all backgrounds were consulted. This step, which followed a public consultation day in February and an online consultation, provided a platform to discuss the project and an opportunity to improve certain components. As a result, the breakwater was removed and the right-of-way on the sea floor was reduced by 5 hectares.

Environmental assessment process: An exhaustive report responding to the first round of questions from the CEAA was just filed. The document includes the public’s questions and concerns as well as a summary of study results.

Business solicitation: The deep-water container project in Québec garnered palpable interest following meetings with large European and Asian shipping companies over the past few months. Discussions are ongoing with these companies as well as other potential clients and shippers.

Technical studies: After completing studies on the market, environment and fluid flow, the QPA launched a study into the operational configuration of the terminal. The study will result in an optimal terminal design and more precise diagrams of the flow of goods and intermodal transportation.

The QPA will provide regular updates on how the project is progressing.

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Source
Marie-Andrée Blanchet
Advisor, Public Relations and Events
Québec Port Authority
Phone: 418-648-3640
[email protected]