March 15, 2010

The Port of Valleyfield had a phenomenal year in 2009, in spite of the difficult global economy. Taking into account the number of ships that docked, the tonnage transshipped and the amount of funds invested in different projects, 2009 was by far the most successful of the last 10 years.

2009 results

In 2009, the port of Valleyfield received 92 ships, an increase of 9.5% over last year, 14.2 % over the average of the last five years, and 39.8% over the total of the last 10 years. Ships from Russia, the Ivory Coast, Brazil, Indonesia, as well as Canada and the United States, docked at the Port of Valleyfield.

Maritime tonnage transhipped amounted to 420,740 metric tons – a substantial increase of 31.8% over last year, 6.4% and 20.8% over the average of the last 5 years and 10 years respectively.

Equally notable was a marked increase of 89% of non-maritime tonnage (trains and trucks) compared with 2008. Combining all modes of transportation the total tonnage registered in 2009 was 502,608 metric tons.

These results are even more meaningful when compared with those of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2009. According to a press release distributed by The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation on January 8, 2010, the cargo volume for 2009 was 30.5 million tons, the lowest volume registered since the early 1960s. It represents a decrease of 25% compared with 2008.

Investment activity is what distinguishes the Port of Valleyfield

Not only was 2009 busy in terms of traffic, it was equally busy in terms of construction. A 13,500 square-foot administrative centre housing several businesses was built at a cost of $3.4 million. A 50,000 square-foot warehouse was erected at a cost of $4.5 million. This investment received the support of the Quebec Ministry of Transportation through the Assistance Program for Modal Integration for an amount of $1.5 million. Repairs were made to two docks amounting to $1.275 million. The Société du Port de Valleyfield saw a total of $9.175 million in investments in 2009.

In addition to the work realized by the Société du Port de Valleyfield, the businesses located on the port’s site made investments of more than $8 million. The total amount invested for the year 2009 at the Port of Valleyfield was $17.175 million.

“Today, it is with great pride that we unveil these excellent results, the fruits of the good collaboration between the Société du Port de Valleyfield and the port’s private business partners. We can’t help but be satisfied with this performance. In the long term, we have other attractive projects on the table that we hope will materialize in the near future,” said Jocelyn Demers, chairman of the board of the Société du Port de Valleyfield.

About Valport and the Société du Port de Valleyfield

As the first port installation before Montreal where ships coming from the Great Lakes can dock, the Port of Valleyfield specilalizes in the transshipment and handling of dry and liquid bulk cargoes, general cargoes and special projects. In addition to vessels coming from the Great Lakes, the Port of Valleyfield welcomes ships from the four corners of the globe. It is situated 70 kilometres from Montreal, between Lac St. Louis and Lac St. François.

Valport and the Port of Valleyfield have been partnered for nearly two decades.

This media release was compiled using information and excerpts taken from a news release issued by The Société du Port de Valleyfield.

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