↑ Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL / Patrick Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy / Hon. Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport / Vincent Deguise, Mayor of Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel and Warden of the MRC Pierre-De Saurel.
A significant investment in the sustainable industrial development of Sorel-Tracy
The Minister of Transport, the Hon. Anita Anand, announced a $13.6 million contribution to the creation of the Industrial-port Zone (IP Zone) and the modernization of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel wharf.
This conversion of a former industrial site into a port terminal and the refurbishment of our wharf are concrete examples of sustainable development achieved in partnership with regional players. The financial support of the federal government is an important milestone in the realization of these projects, of which we are very proud. This additional infrastructure will enable us to better serve local farmers and businesses, while minimizing our impact on the environment thanks to innovative floating dock technology. Together, we are creating the ideal environment for economic growth and job creation.
Robert Bellisle, QSL President and CEO
PRESS RELEASE
October 18, 2024
Sorel-Tracy, Québec
From : QSL
$13.6M investment in Sorel-Tracy
QSL IS DELIGHTED WITH TRANSPORT CANADA’S SUPPORT FOR THE INDUSTRIAL PORT ZONE
Sorel-Tracy, October 18th 2024 – A leader in marine terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America, QSL enthusiastically welcomes confirmation of a significant investment by the Government of Canada in the sustainable industrial development of Sorel-Tracy, following the announcement of a $13.6 million contribution to the creation of the Industrial-port Zone (IP Zone) and the modernization of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel wharf, at the mouth of the Richelieu River.
Announced today in Sorel-Tracy by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Anita Anand, this grant will be part of upcoming investments totaling $4 million to refurbish port facilities in Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel, and $35 million for the innovative floating dock project in the future IP Zone in Sorel-Tracy, currently under construction. Over the years, QSL has invested over $75 million in the construction of multimodal handling infrastructures, including warehouses for the region’s farmers.
“This conversion of a former industrial site into a port terminal and the refurbishment of our wharf are concrete examples of sustainable development achieved in partnership with regional players. The financial support of the federal government is an important milestone in the realization of these projects, of which we are very proud. This additional infrastructure will enable us to better serve local farmers and businesses, while minimizing our impact on the environment thanks to innovative floating dock technology. Together, we are creating the ideal environment for economic growth and job creation.” said QSL President and CEO Robert Bellisle.
The Sorel-Tracy IP Zone means the addition of state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment that will give the agricultural industry, especially, faster and cheaper access to the materials they need for their operations. “Derisking the supply chain to make it more resilient is at the heart of our business strategy,” adds Mr. Bellisle.
Innovative and sustainable
The revitalization of the site of the former power plant, dismantled in 2015, will open a new access route to the St. Lawrence River, North America’s largest economic artery. QSL has opted for innovation with the construction of a floating structure that will be used for cargo transshipment. Material will be unloaded from ships and transported directly via an assembly of electric conveyors to the multimodal handling area warehouse, erected at a cost of $10 million in phase 1.
This option minimizes the environmental footprint on aquatic flora and fauna, as it has minimal impact on the seabed. The project is currently at the stage of obtaining the necessary authorizations, permits and consultations for construction of the port terminal.
“Thanks to its proximity to Highway 30 and the railway network, the site offers all the advantages of intermodality. It’s an invaluable economic development lever that will ultimately make Sorel-Tracy an even more attractive investment harbor,” concludes Mr. Bellisle.
Timeline
The two projects represent a total investment of nearly $40 million. Certain authorization processes are still underway. It is estimated that refurbishment of the Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel wharf could begin in the spring of 2025. Work on the floating dock in the Sorel-Tracy IP Zone will begin in the fall of 2026.
The project is expected to generate over 250 jobs during construction, and around 50 new hires, including 30 direct jobs during operation. They will join the team already working to ensure the success of QSL’s port activities in the region, and materializing the company’s commitment to local socio-economic 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.
Further information
Media Contacts
Claudine Couture-Trudel
Vice-President, ESG Policy and Future Initiatives
418 522-4701 # 2230
claudine.couture-trudel@qsl.com
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