Press release

2023 RETROSPECTIVE: THE PORT OF QUÉBEC SEES FAR AHEAD

Québec City, June 5, 2024 – At today's annual public meeting, the Port of Québec took stock of its activities in 2023, a pivotal year in which the Port unveiled its new Vision 2035 initiative and an ambitious strategic plan. The administration presented several components of this plan that were put in place or carried out over the course of the year. 

The Port of Québec aims to be recognized by citizens for its responsible land management, respect for the environment and protection of biodiversity, while simultaneously positioning itself as a world leader in creating sustainable supply chains that contribute to an ever more resilient economy. The goal is to combine the best of all four worlds, through the following:

  • Being close to the world by becoming a benchmark for community involvement;
  • Committing to a more sustainable world by becoming a leader in the fight against climate change and promoting the energy transition;
  • Innovating and extending our influence by becoming an internationally-recognized port that is known for being at the forefront;
  • Taking things further by becoming an employer of choice that is known for putting people first.

" In partnership with local players, we have implemented several bold initiatives, including revitalizing new public spaces and opening up the port area to innovative businesses. Guided by our ‘Vision 2035’ plan, we continue to shape a promising maritime future, where innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our actions. Together, we're sailing towards new horizons, driven by our passion for innovation and our commitment to the community. "
– Mario Girard, President and CEO, Port of Québec

The cornerstone of supply chains
In 2023, the Port of Québec played a central role in supply chains, facilitating the transshipment of 27.8 million tonnes of goods and contributing to the national economy. This attests to the stability of the Port’s supply chains, and the performance is all the more noteworthy when considered alongside previous years, which highlight the consistency and reliability of port operations in Quebec City. The Port supports a wide range of industries, including agri-food, transportation, energy, steel, construction and mining, by providing modern infrastructure and the necessary logical services. These activities benefit from the Port of Québec's strategic position and its commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.

Prioritizing community involvement 
Over the past year, the Port of Québec has taken a forward-thinking approach to social innovation, encouraging community participation through “good neighbour” discussions and co-creation meetings. Public consultations were held to review the Land Use Plan, as well for other more specific projects. Initiatives such as the cohabitation and Youth on Board committees have strengthened the Port's commitment to sustainable development and the next generation. New sites on the river, such as La Cale and l’Oasis, have been a resounding success. Particular care has been taken regarding consultations with First Nations and social contributions, with initiatives to provide financial support for the local community and educational, cultural and recreational partnerships. Measures were also taken to mitigate noise pollution, including transparent monitoring and active collaboration with residents and experts to find long-lasting solutions.

These 2023 actions earned the Port of Québec the Community Involvement award at the Gala des Mercuriades 2024, shining a light on some of the innovative ways in which the Port of Québec contributes to the development of its community.

Environment, society, governance and sustainable development
The Port of Québec is committed to promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its membership in the Global Compact. The “Vision 2035” initiative addresses all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Port is also a signatory of the AIVP 2030 Agenda.

In 2023, the Port of Québec maintained the highest level for each of the 14 Green Marine certification criteria. The Port is the only one of the 50-some participating port authorities in North America to achieve Level 5 for the sixth year running. The Port of Québec once again outperformed the average of participating ports in 2023 in the following six criteria: air emissions and greenhouse gases, waste management, community impacts, environmental leadership, spill prevention and stormwater management, and community relations.

The Port has also stepped up its collaboration with various players in a number of other areas, including the fight against climate change, cleaning up the banks of the St. Lawrence River, improving air quality and preserving biodiversity, as well as greening and the energy transition.

Finally, the Port has modernized its impact assessment and mitigation process to ensure an even more inclusive and responsible approach to its projects, thus allowing it to make a concrete commitment to a more sustainable world.

Focus on innovation
In 2023, the Port of Québec added innovation component to its strategy to support the development of start-ups and AIVP new technologies on a global scale. This initiative led to the creation of Le Phare, a mobilization of the ecosystem through which the Port offers its infrastructure, network and challenges as a catalyst for innovation. The Port of Québec will play several roles to meet the industry’s complex challenges. The innovation ecosystem is becoming an important pillar of the Port's development, fostering partnerships with external players and bringing the maritime industry closer to the education, research and technology sectors.

An impressive cruise season
More than 154,000 cruise passengers visited the Port, with 28 cruise lines and 41 different ships making 131 calls throughout the season, extending from April 25 to November 5, 2023. The Port had a record number of embarkations and disembarkations, winning the award for best cruise destination in the Canada-New England region. 2025 will mark the beginning of a new era, with the introduction of winter cruises. The Holland America Line celebrated its 150th anniversary with stops in Quebec City, thus extending the cruise season. Finally, the Port took another step to support innovation by forming a partnership with MT Lab, which aims to propel businesses to new heights while contributing to the development and promotion of the tourism industry in the region and beyond, as well as continuing its commitment to sustainability with dockside electrification projects.

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About the Port of Québec
The Québec Port Authority, a non-profit organization, manages the port of Québec which is strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. This Canadian hub for international trade for both the import and export of goods is the only port in the province of Québec with a fifteen-meter depth of water at low tide and a comprehensive intermodal infrastructure. The port facilities generate 10,000 jobs and about two billion dollars in economic activity.

With its 2035 Vision, the Port de Québec aims to be recognized by citizens for the responsible management of its territory, respect for the environment and protection of biodiversity, while positioning itself as a world leader in establishing sustainable supply chains for a more resilient economy.

Source and Information
Frédéric Lagacé
Director of Communications
418 929-5031
[email protected]