David Plasse, General Manager, Développement économique Pierre-De Saurel / Patrick Péloquin, Mayor de Sorel-Tracy / Geneviève Guilbault, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility / Jean-Bernard Émond, Member for Richelieu / Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL / Vincent Deguise, Mayor of Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel and Warden of the MRC Pierre-De Saurel.
Second investment in the development of the Sorel-Tracy Industrial-Port Zone
During a visit to QSL, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Ms. Geneviève Guilbault, confirmed a government investment of 7.6 million dollars to continue the creation of the Industrial-Port Zone (IP Zone) and the modernization of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel terminal.
“Equipping Quebec with modern and competitive port infrastructures, while respecting ecosystems and communities, is a winning strategy, and at QSL, we are proud to contribute to the modernization of the Quebec maritime sector.” The Sorel-Tracy Industrial-Port Zone is a concrete example of sustainable development achieved in partnership with regional stakeholders. Together, we are creating an ideal environment for economic growth and job creation. Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL International Ltd.
Press Release
January 31st 2025
Sorel-Tracy, Québec
From: QSL
QSL completes the financing of the Industrial-Port Zone
Sorel-Tracy, January 31st, 2025 – QSL, a leader in the operation of maritime terminals, stevedoring, maritime services, logistics, and transportation in North America, is pleased with the confirmation of significant financial support from the Quebec government. This investment aims to support sustainable industrial development in Sorel-Tracy through a contribution of 7.6 million dollars for the creation of the Industrial-Port Zone (Zone IP) and the modernization of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel wharf, located at the mouth of the Richelieu River. This amount adds to the significant financial commitments announced by Transport Canada last fall, bringing the total amounts granted by the two levels of government to over 21 million dollars.
Announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Ms. Geneviève Guilbault, this investment will enable QSL to develop the future Industrial-Port Zone of Sorel-Tracy. This project will contribute to the decarbonization of the economy and the fight against climate change by making the logistics chain more resilient. Indeed, the new port facilities will allow for a reduction in the distance travelled by cargo ships between the arrival port and their destinations, thereby reducing GHG emissions in the final stages of delivery.
“Equipping Quebec with modern and competitive port infrastructures, while respecting ecosystems and communities, is a winning strategy, and at QSL, we are proud to contribute to the modernization of the Quebec maritime sector.” The Sorel-Tracy Industrial Port Zone is a concrete example of sustainable development achieved in partnership with regional stakeholders. Together, we are creating an ideal environment for economic growth and job creation,” says the President and CEO of QSL, Robert Bellisle.
Innovation at the heart of the IP Zone
The IP Zone and the refurbishment of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel wharf total investments of $40 million. The refurbishment of the dock is scheduled for the spring of 2025, while the work on the floating dock will begin in the fall of 2026.
It is the revitalization of the site of the former Hydro-Québec thermal power plant, dismantled in 2015, that is the origin of this development which will allow the opening of a new access route to the St. Lawrence River, the largest economic artery in North America. QSL opted for innovation with the construction of a floating structure that will be used for cargo transshipment. The material will be unloaded from the ships and directly transported via a series of electric conveyors to the warehouse of the Multimodal Handling Zone, built for $10 million during phase 1.
The project is expected to generate more than 250 jobs during construction and around 50 hires, including 30 direct jobs, during operation. They will join the team members who are already working towards the success of QSL’s port activities in the region and will fulfill the company’s commitment to local socioeconomic development while contributing to the decarbonization of logistics operations.
For more information, please visit the QSL page dedicated to the Sorel-Tracy Industrial Port Zone: https://qsl.com/en/our_projects/zone-ip-sorel-tracy/
Information
Media contact
Marie B. Deschamps
Senior Director, Communications and Reporting
514-213-2836
marie.deschamps@qsl.com
To consult the French Press Release from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility: Programme d’investissement en infrastructures maritimes – Plus de 7,6 M$ octroyés par le gouvernement du Québec pour des améliorations portuaires à Sorel-Tracy Gouvernement du Québec