The port of Sept-Îles on the North Shore could take Montreal’s second place in the ranking of Canada’s most important ports.
An increase in iron ore shipments is expected in the coming months, which should push the port to an all-time high.
Composed mainly of aluminum and iron ore, volumes in 2022 increased by 4.1% to 32.1 million tonnes shipped from the port of Sept-Îles.
Responsible for this increase, which will be even stronger this year, is the Québec iron ore company, which continues its expansion near Fermont.
“In 2023, 7 million new tons should pass through the port of Sept-Îles, allowing us, we hope, to surpass the 40 million ton mark. That alone will be a volume unparalleled since the glorious 1970s when the iron market was booming,” said Port of Sept-Îles President and CEO Pierre D. Gagnon.
The Port of Sept-Îles could become Canada’s second busiest port by volume of activity in 2023, behind Vancouver and just ahead of Montreal.
The port authority, founded in 1999, thus confirms its important role in Quebec.
“If we combine the economic value of each tonne of aluminum and iron ore passing through the Port of Sept-Îles facilities, the trade value is nearly $10 billion. This represents almost 10% of the value of the province’s annual exports,” said Pierre D. Gagnon.
The port is toying with some projects for 2023, including the repair of the Mgr Blanche quay, for which funding is not complete.
The project to build a reception pavilion for cruise passengers is also to be developed further. A concept is about to be selected. We already know that the building will bear an Aboriginal signature.
“We are the only ones who don’t have a flag through the Quebec stops. We have to do it within two years,” said Serge McKenzie, vice president of Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu, the organization responsible for welcoming cruise ships.
Last year, Sept-Îles welcomed a record 11 cruise ships with 14,000 visitors on board.