sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:09 PM Page 1 www.canadiansailings.ca Publications Mail Agreement No. 41967521 April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 2 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 3 ENJOY ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY WITH MSC In 2015, we bring you market-leading reliability, extended port coverage and more weekly sailings through our new East-West network. KƵƌƚĞĂŵƐĂƌĞŚĞƌĞƚŽŚĞůƉLJŽƵĮŶĚƚŚĞƌŝŐŚƚŐůŽďĂů ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚƐŽůƵƟŽŶ͕ǁŚĞƌĞǀĞƌLJŽƵĂƌĞŝŶƚŚĞǁŽƌůĚ͘tĞ͛ƌĞ real people dedicated to delivering a personal service. To find out more contact your local MSC office toll free +1 800 634 3711 MSC.COM sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 4 Canadian Transportation & Sailings Trade Logistics www.canadiansailings.ca 185, avenue Dorval, bureau 304 Dorval, Quebec, Canada H9S 5J9 Tel.: (514) 556-3042 • Fax: (514) 556-3047 www.canadiansailings.ca Publisher & Editor Joyce Hammock Associate Editor Theo van de Kletersteeg Editorial Coordinator France Normandeau, [email protected] Creative Coordinator France Normandeau, [email protected] Advertising Coordinator France Normandeau, [email protected] Web Coordinator Devon van de Kletersteeg, [email protected] Contributing Writers Saint John Halifax Montreal Quebec City Ottawa Toronto Thunder Bay Valleyfield Vancouver U.S. Christopher Williams Tom Peters Brian Dunn, Julie Gedeon Mark Cardwell Alex Binkley Jack Kohane William Hryb Peter Gabany Keith Norbury, R. Bruce Striegler Alan M. 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CONTENTS april 27, 2015 PORT OF MONTREAL 2015: Pivotal Year for Port of Montreal 6 9 11 13 13 15 17 19 23 25 28 29 30 32 35 37 39 40 41 43 43 44 45 46 47 47 48 49 50 52 52 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 Time is right for carriers, shippers to choose Port of Montreal Port reaches out to carriers, freight forwarders with B2B platform Big year for port developments, projects Termont Montréal to operate new Viau terminal Consortium acquires Montreal Gateway Terminals Port strategically well positioned to serve Europe, ready to capitalize on Canada-EU free trade Partnership with Port of Antwerp bolsters trade relationship Diversification helps drive growth at Port of Montreal Port ready to play integral role in Quebec’s Maritime Strategy Sustainable development: a value anchored in port activity Port sails into exciting cruise season Port receives another award of excellencefor its cruise operations Montreal to host revamped ACPA conference Oil-by-rail: The start of the second period Are oil train derailments a new fact of life? Tankercars not the only problem: volatile oil now under scrutiny Canada Post segment reports $194-million profit before tax in 2014 New CWB ship opens Seaway’s 57th navigational season CWB Marquis the first vessel to officially pass through the Seaway in 2015 Federal government moves to privatize CWB LCA reports Lakes ore trade off to slowest start in five years CSL’s Paterson has modest expectations for 2015 Opinion: BC on the Move Road Map aims at improving productivity in B.C.’s road transportation industry Agility Fuel Systems to supply UPS with CNG fuel systems for 445 trucks EDC: British Columbia’s ‘Secret’ Société des traversiers du Quebec receives first of three LNG-powered ferries EDC says worlds’ second most populous nation holds significant potential for Canadian business Hamburg Süd most reliable line in February Opinion: AC624: Questions arising from the March 28 landing at YHZ CN announces $500-million capital program to upgrade Western Canada feeder rail lines CN locomotive engineers in Canada ratify new labour agreement Evergreen names CN 2014 Railroad Company of the Year Carriers can’t stop the rot: box shipping rates continue to hit new all-time lows New study claims mega-boxships not as fuel-efficient as those delivered 25 years ago Donning of the Top Hat marks beginning of 2015 season at Port of Hamilton Port of Oshawa welcomes first international vessel of the season Morterm receives season’s first salty in the port of Windsor Fringe benefits to air freight throttle back as U.S. west coast congestion eases Oceanex Inc. named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Gold Standard Member FedEx and TNT Express agree to merge MOL Liner Ltd. and MOL Asia Ltd. announce senior management personnel changes Eric Simard appointed to the Board of Directors of Montreal Port Authority printed by PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41967521 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO GREAT WHITE PUBLICATIONS INC., 185, AVENUE DORVAL, BUREAU 304, DORVAL, QC H9S 5J9 email: [email protected] 4 • Canadian Sailings • March 30, 2015 R E G U L A R F E AT U R E S 38 Career Centre 58 Index of Advertisers 58 Industry Events The contents of this publication are protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 5 A HUGE BOOST IN CARGO TRAFFIC WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN The new Canada-EU free-trade agreement is coming soon, set to open new markets and generate growth on both sides of the Atlantic. As the leading port for trade between Northern Europe and North America’s industrial heartland, we’re perfectly positioned for a huge boost in cargo traffic – and to help you profit from the opportunities headed this way. Find out what we can do for you at port-montreal.com/why-montreal sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 6 PORT OF MONTREAL 2015: Pivotal Year for Port of Montreal Time is right for carriers, shippers to choose Port of Montreal T he year 2015 will be a pivotal one for the Port of Montreal as it works to complete and advance projects that will maintain and improve the fluidity of goods movement for which the Port is internationally renowned. As part of a three-component project to handle an increase in traffic volume, the Port will build a new container terminal, modernize marine access and improve road access in 2015. It will further develop its Port+ strategy, a commitment to provide value-added services to port users and attract new clients. And it will move forward with plans for its next phase of expansion at Contrecoeur and for the extensive restoration of its cruise passenger terminal and the pier on which it is located. “The Port of Montreal is the engine of a major transportation logistics chain,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). “We are a globally diversified port, with many of the world’s leading shipping lines providing services to and from 140 countries. We are extremely well positioned at the centre of an integrated marine, rail, road and pipeline network. We are the closest international container port to North America’s industrial heartland and we offer fast and efficient rail and road connections inland. We boast terminal operators whose cargo-handling expertise is second to none. And we are working diligently to ensure that we have the cargo-handling capacity to meet the needs of our clients well into the future. “The time has never been better for shipping lines and shippers to choose the Port of Montreal for moving their goods quickly, efficiently and safely, and at highly competitive prices.” “Indeed, based on research that we have carried out, when you consider the whole gamut of costs, Montreal continues to be one of the most competitive ports among all East Coast ports when it comes to moving goods to and from North America’s industrial heartland,” said Tony Boemi, the MPA’s Vice-President of Growth and Development. “Moreover, we operate on a year-round basis and continue to be a reliable, fluid port, and with no major congestion issues. “Add in other factors such as the new SYLVIE VACHON Port is the engine of a major transportation logistics chain generation of vessels that have been built, and the cascading of vessels onto other trade lanes, more advantageous charter rates, lower fuel costs and the falling Canadian dollar, and Montreal has to be seen as a favourable port. “Given the challenges currently facing East and West Coast ports, I think beneficial cargo owners would be amiss if they didn’t factor in or add the Port of Montreal to their list as a viable option, and in the case of ship- The Port of Montreal handled a record 30.4 million tonnes of highly diversified cargo in 2014. 6 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 ping lines a perfect time to position some of their assets to Montreal.” The Port of Montreal handled a record 30.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2014, an increase of 8.1 per cent over the previous year. It enjoyed a strong year in the containerized cargo sector, handling 1.4 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit containers), up 4.2 per cent over 2013. In the dry bulk sector, traffic totalled 8.4 million tonnes, up 28.7 per cent. Liquid bulk traffic amounted to 9.2 million tonnes, down 3.2 per cent. In the cruise sector, the Port welcomed a record 71,044 cruise passengers and crew members. “In the context of a still-fragile economic climate on an international scale, these results were very satisfying,” Ms. Vachon said. The MPA completed in 2014 the first phase of redevelopment projects at the Port’s Viau and Maisonneuve sectors, adding space for another 200,000 TEUs on port territory and increasing containerhandling capacity by 13 per cent to 1.7 million TEUs. The Port is embarking upon a project in 2015 to further increase container-handling capacity in the Viau sector as well as deepen berths and improve truck traffic flow in and around the Port. The Viau sector work will boost the Port’s total container-handling capacity to 2.1 million TEUs. The Port will reach its maximum handling capacity on its Island of Montreal territory with this development, with each square metre of the Port having been developed to its fullest. The following phase of port expansion will be at Contrecoeur, where the MPA will continue with preparations in 2015 to develop a 1.15-million-TEU container terminal on land that it owns there as part of its long-term expansion plan. “All of the winning conditions, including continued growth of the container market and positive impacts from CanadaEuropean Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), must be met before the terminal is developed,” Ms. Vachon said. Also in 2015, the MPA will pursue its Port+ strategy, a commitment by the Port to develop and provide value-added services that allow for a diversification of activities on the Port while providing the shipping lines that serve Montreal with additional freight volume. “The inauguration on port territory in 2014 of the CanEst Transit facility that cleans and containerizes agricultural products is a project that fits perfectly within this strategy,” Ms. Vachon said. The MPA will also work in 2015 to complete the financing Photos: Port of Montreal sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 7 The CanEst Transit facility that cleans and containerizes agricultural products is a project that fits perfectly within the Port+ strategy. structure for a project to extensively restore Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal. The project will better integrate the pier and the terminal into the urban fabric of Old Montreal while offering water access to one and all. Having the financing structure in place is a pre-commencement condition. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 7 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 8 8 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 9 PORT OF MONTREAL Port reaches out to carriers, freight forwarders with B2B platform O ne way in which the Port of Montreal is reaching out to shipping lines and freight forwarders is though its new B2B (business-to-business) platform, part of a rebranding campaign that promotes the Port’s advantages for ‘Trading with the World.’ The B2B platform, available at www.portdemontreal.com/why-montreal/, makes it fast and simple for potential new customers to learn about the Port’s distinct advantages when it comes to moving cargo worldwide. “We’ve specifically targeted this platform to freight forwarders and maritime companies so that they can immediately find the necessary facts and contacts to do business with us,” said Yves Gilson, Marketing Manager for the Montreal Port Authority. “The platform enables potential users to quickly and easily find out about the Port and what we can specifically offer them.” The ‘Why Montreal’ platform initially asks two straightforward questions: 1. Where are you located? (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Mediterranean or North America); and 2. What are you shipping? (Containerized cargo or bulk products). Based on the responses, the potential user is presented with the Port’s distinct advantages in terms of market reach, transit times, handling capacity, etc. “About 80 per cent of the advantages are common to all users, but approximately 20 per cent differs according to geographic location and/or the type of cargo being transported,” Mr. Gilson said. The platform is progressively being linked to an electronic banner ad campaign within online publications that specialize in maritime trade. “One click on the banner takes the potential user directly to our two key questions and subsequently to the relevant information,” Mr. Gilson said. “We also have online links to all of our representatives abroad, as well as our people at the Port responsible for developing new business.” By tracking the click through traffic generated by the banner ads to the new B2B platform, as well as responses to the two key questions, the Port will be able to determine where best to put its future outreach efforts. ‘Why Montreal’ is part of a rebranding campaign that emphasizes the Port’s advantages in ‘Trading with the World.’ The campaign includes targeted E-blasts, a new Port of Montreal video as well as a series of print ads that emphasize the Port’s perfect location in relation to the Canada-EU free trade agreement, its competitive position on the trade lane with South Asia and its proximity to the U.S. Midwest market. LEGAL ADVICE ENABLING YOU TO ARRIVE SAFELY IN PORT At Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, we possess long-standing experience in maritime law. National in scope, our team of seasoned professionals offers both commercial advice and litigation support to a wide range of Canadian and foreign clients on all facets of the marine transportation industry. The members of our Maritime Law Group are able to help you maintain a steady heading or change the course of your business. To find out how we can help you, please contact: P. Jeremy Bolger Jane Chong Jean-Marie Fontaine Daniel Grodinsky Darren McGuire Peter G. Pamel Norman G. Letalik 514.954.3119 514.954.2512 514.954.3196 514.954.2503 514.954.3105 514.954.3169 416.367.6344 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michael C. Smith Robin Squires Michael White Timothy Bottomer Dino Rossi Graham Walker Rick Williams 416.367.6234 416.367.6595 416.367.6116 604.640.4028 604.640.4110 604.640.4045 604.640.4074 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Calgary | Montréal | Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver | Waterloo Region Lawyers | Patent & Trade-mark Agents | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership. blg.com April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 9 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 10 TERMONT MONTREAL INC. 450 de Boucherville St. Montreal, Quebec Tel: 514-254-0526 Fax: 514-251-1952 Termont’s facility is equipped with specialized gantry cranes and intermodal terminal equipment with direct access to both CN and CP rail lines. With the use of modern equipment, computerized inventory control with EDI capabilities, and experienced personnel, Termont provides its customers with increased turnaround and efficient services. www.termont.com 10 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:15 PM Page 11 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Big year for port developments, projects W ork to build and develop new container-handling capacity, improve road and marine accesses, and pursue the restoration of a cruise terminal and the pier on which it is located are all on the agenda for the Port of Montreal in 2015. The Port received a huge boost to its development objectives earlier this year when both the provincial and federal governments announced significant investments in the Port. In March, the Government of Quebec announced investments of $75 million to improve direct road access to the Port and $20 million toward the restoration of Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal. These announcements are part of the provincial government’s commitment to support the marine industry through an investment of more than $1.5 billion in the Quebec Maritime Strategy and for its intention to promote the implementation of logistics hubs. In January, the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $43.7 million in a three-component project that will: • Increase container-handling capacity in the Viau sector; • Deepen vessel berths; and • Improve truck traffic flow in and around the Port. “This money will support our development projects intended to ensure that our already very busy facilities can adapt to meet projected growth,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), at a press conference held at the Port to announce the federal government contribution. “More specifically, this work is expected to significantly increase the Port’s handling capacity, facilitate the accommodation of larger vessels, and greatly improve traffic flow for the more than 2,500 trucks that pass through the Port daily.” The federal government is making the investment through the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund. “Enhancing the Port of Montreal’s capacity and efficiency will encourage economic growth for businesses and residents in the region and greatly contribute to the global competitiveness of the nation as a whole,” said Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. The MPA and its partners will be responsible for the remaining cost of the project, the total of which is estimated at $132 million. “This substantial financial contribution from the federal government will provide significant help in positioning the Port of Montreal to fully profit from growth opportunities in marine transportation in the coming years, particularly in the context of the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA),” Ms. Vachon said. “Optimizing our container-handling capacity and improving our marine and road access will hugely benefit our clients and partners here and elsewhere, not to mention the Canadian economy.” “This announcement is big news for Montreal,” said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. “This investment will allow the Port to become even more competitive and further expand its global reach.” The Viau sector’s total handling capacity, including work previously carried out in the area, will eventually reach 600,000 Port is increasing container-handling capacity in the Viau sector. Logistec Stevedoring Inc. and the Montreal Port Authority have made major investments at the multipurpose terminal at Contrecoeur. TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit containers), increasing the Port’s total container-handling capacity to 2.1 million TEUs. The Viau sector component of the project will cost $83 million. Termont Montréal will operate the new container-handling facility. Construction is to start this summer and the terminal is expected to be up and running in autumn 2016. When fully operational, the new Viau terminal will generate 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, along with $340 million in economic benefits. The MPA completed the first phase of redevelopment projects at the Viau and Maisonneuve sectors in 2014. These projects added space for another 200,000 TEUs on port territory and increased container-handling capacity by 13 per cent to the current 1.7 million TEUs. Transport Canada contributed $15.1 million to those projects. The total cost of the work amounted to almost $40 million. At the Maisonneuve sector, space to handle an additional 50,000 TEUs was developed at the site. The MPA also built a new longshoremen’s hall and a new parking area and maintenance workshop for equipment and vehicles used by longshoremen. Capacity at the 16.5-hectare Viau sector site currently stands April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 11 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 12 PORT OF MONTREAL at 150,000 TEUs following the redevelopment of land there. Railway tracks were relocated, energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, and sewer and water systems and the underground electrical network were restructured in order to fully optimize operations at the site. The Port will reach its maximum handling capacity on its Island of Montreal territory with the new Viau sector development. The following phase of port expansion will be on land that the MPA owns in Contrecoeur, located some 40 kilometres east of Montreal. The MPA already has begun preparations and will continue its planning work in 2015 to develop a 1.15-million-TEU container terminal there. This project is part of the MPA’s longterm expansion plan. “All of the winning conditions, including continued growth of the container market and positive impacts from CETA, must be met before the terminal is developed,” Ms. Vachon said. The MPA is also hoping to move forward in 2015 with plans to restore Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal. The project, unveiled in 2014, is subject to the completion of its financing structure. In addition to the provincial government announcement of $20 million, the City of Montreal has guaranteed a financial contribution of $15 million toward the project, the entire value of which is $78 million. At the Port’s petroleum products sector, the MPA has restored berths at Sections 101 and 102 and carried out work at Berths 105 and 106 following an agreement it has concluded with Valero Energy. The MPA also extended the length of the berth at Section 102 so that it can accommodate tankers that will transport to Valero’s refinery in Lévis, Quebec, oil sourced in North America and moved via pipeline to Montreal. At Section 102 specifically, the MPA solidified the retention structure and redid the concrete above and below the water in order to restore the berth. The MPA extended the length of the berth by 40 metres by installing two dolphins – fixed man-made structures that are not connected to shore. In other developments, Logistec Stevedoring Inc., which operates the Port’s multipurpose terminal at Contrecoeur, has completed three years’ worth of investments at the facility totalling $12 million. Logistec installed a new rail-mounted hopper and a Liebherr crane with a capacity of 120 tonnes in lift mode and 75 tonnes in grab mode – the largest SWL (safe working load) capacity in North America for a rail-mounted crane. Logistec also installed new tracks and an electrical supply and distribution system to meet the crane and hopper’s modern designs and to make the terminal more energy efficient. Logistec also covered fixed conveyors that link the berth to the Yara Canada fertilizer terminal. The new equipment allows Logistec to move larger volumes of bulk cargo and work with a more diversified cargo base. In addition to bulk cargo, the terminal has enhanced its ability to handle breakbulk, project and heavy-lift cargo. For its part, the MPA has invested $2 million in its Contrecoeur facilities over the past three years to rebuild a handling area, renovate a gangway and reconstruct aqueducts and storm sewers. Logistec provides high quality cargo-handling services to marine and industrial customers through a strong network of strategically located facilities in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, on the Eastern Seaboard of North America, and in the U.S. Gulf. THE PLACES WE WORK Canadian Far North or on the St. Lawrence Whether on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the mers with innovative solutions for custo River, like Montréal, Logistec provides their cargo-handling needs. www.logistec.com 12 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 13 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Termont Montréal to operate new Viau terminal Termont Montréal Inc. will be the future operator of the Viau container terminal at the Port of Montreal. The Port of Montreal and Termont Terminal Inc. signed a long-term lease on March 19 under which Termont Montréal will invest $42 million in the initial phase of the terminal project. If container growth continues, Termont Montréal will invest an additional $30 million toward the project’s second phase. “I am very pleased by this agreement, which is synonymous with economic growth,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “It shows that Termont has great confidence in the Port of Montreal. I’m sure this project will be very successful.” Termont Terminal is a longstanding partner of the Port of Montreal. It has been operating the Maisonneuve container terminal since 1987. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will be a major partner of Termont in the Viau terminal project. “The Port of Montreal is a strategic gateway for container shipping in North America,” said Madeleine Paquin, Chair of Termont Terminal, President of Termont Montréal, and President and CEO of Logistec Corporation. “The development of this new capacity is not only good for Termont, MSC and the Port, but also for Montreal, Quebec and Canada. With its intermodal networks, Montreal is a key facilitator for international trade. “The new Viau Terminal will provide Termont with the additional space it needs to deliver quick turnaround times and efficient cargo-handling services to the Port of Montreal’s current and future customers, and thus support MSC as it continues to grow its services through the Port of Montreal.” “MSC’s commitment to the Canadian market along with the strategic growth plans of customers is at the core of all of our decisions,” said Sokat Shaikh, Managing Director of MSC Canada. “The continued expansion of our Canadian services, hand in hand with the expansion of our global network, is literally second to none. We have learnt from our customers’ growing needs that our supply chain network must have stability through land-based infrastructure investments. The expansion of Termont (Viau) terminal will further reinforce MSC’s commitment to Canada and serve our partners in business for years to come. We are simply proud to be a part of Canada’s future.” Consortium acquires Montreal Gateway Terminals A consortium led by Fiera Axium Infrastructure Inc. has acquired a 100-per-cent ownership interest in Montreal Gateway Terminals (MGT) from Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners. The consortium comprises Fiera Axium Infrastructure Canada II L.P., Desjardins Group, via its insurance subsidiaries and its Pension Plan, Manulife, Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Industrial Alliance. MGT is the largest container terminal operator at the Port of Montreal. It operates two of the Port’s three international container terminals – Racine and Cast – and services seven global shipping lines. In 2014, MGT handled 800,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit containers), representing 58 per cent of all containers that moved through the Port of Montreal. “This investment fits well within our core infrastructure strategy as Montreal Gateway Terminals represents an essential infrastructure asset,” said Stéphane Mailhot, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fiera Axium Infrastructure. “Our consortium comprises partners with a long-term investment horizon and vested interests in the economic development of Greater Montreal, Quebec and Canada. We look forward to partnering with the Port and other key stakeholders to promote the Port of Montreal’s status as an international trade hub.” Montreal Gateway Terminals operates Racine (left) and Cast container terminals. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 13 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 14 14 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:58 PM Page 15 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Port strategically well positioned to serve Europe, ready to capitalize on Canada-EU free trade Among the Port of Montreal’s numerous advantages, it is on the shortest direct route from Europe and the Mediterranean to North America’s industrial heartland. Ocean transit time between Montreal and Europe is only eight days. With its strategic location 1,600 kilometres inland, Montreal is the closest international container port to North America’s industrial heartland. It provides access to 40 million consumers within one trucking day and another 70 million consumers within two rail days. The Port has excellent highway connections to the hinterland, and it is directly connected to transcontinental Class 1 railways Canadian GROUPOCEAN.COM A lthough the Port of Montreal is a globally diversified port, it has long been the main hub for trade between Europe and North America. In fact, today Montreal handles more container traffic between Northern Europe and the U.S. Midwest than any other port in North America. Northern Europe is the Port of Montreal’s main market, accounting for 44 per cent of the containerized cargo traffic moving through the Port. “It’s a mature and stable market,” said Tony Boemi, Vice-President of Growth and Development for the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 15 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:18 PM Page 16 PORT OF MONTREAL National and Canadian Pacific. Its three international container terminals can each handle two 300-metre container ships simultaneously. Numerous container services or maritime routes link Montreal to European ports: • The SLCS 1 (St. Lawrence Coordinated Service 1), a joint agreement among Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and OOCL; • The SLCS 2 (St. Lawrence Coordinated Service 2), an agreement between HapagLloyd and OOCL; and • The TA-4, a service operated by Maersk and CMA CGM. Federal Atlantic Lakes Line and Nirint Shipping, which handle various types of cargo, also provide services between Montreal and Europe. The Port of Montreal is linked to numerous European ports including Antwerp, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, Le Havre, Liverpool, Rotterdam, Thamesport and St. Petersburg. European markets, including the Mediterranean, already represent 39 per cent of the total volume of traffic and close to 65 per cent of container traffic moving through the Port of Montreal. On the inland side, Quebec accounts for 35 per cent of Canadian exports moving to Europe. These exports, in particular those transported by container, move for the most part through the Port of Montreal. Additionally, more than 95 per cent of Quebec and Ontario importers and exporters choose the Port of Montreal to reach European markets. One company that uses the Port of Montreal to import products from Europe is Déli Prestige. The Montreal-based firm specializes in the import of fresh and frozen foods from Belgium for wide distribution to major grocery store chains in Canada. Déli Prestige imports through the Port of Montreal fresh olives every three weeks by container from a production facility in Southern Belgium, and it expects frequency to increase to every week, said president Olivier Grosman. The company also imports salad croutons and frozen Belgian fruit waffles. “We use the Port of Montreal because it is a strategic hub and the fastest gateway into North America from Belgium,” Mr. Grosman said. “This is important, especially because we import fresh products, and the Port of Montreal has the capacity to quickly and efficiently handle our containers.” While the Port already is reaping the benefits of trade with Europe, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement THE KNOW KNOW-HOW -HOW YOU WAN WANT T At Empire, we’re proud of our people’s hands-on experience and capabilities in providing our marine and industrial customers with cost effective solutions, best-in-class cargo handling practices and dependability. These, coupled with our extensive network of terminal facilities strategically situated on Canada’s East coast and US Gulf coast make Empire Stevedoring the smart choice when it comes to moving your precious cargo. Let us channel our know-how to your advantage. www.empirestevedoring.com 500 Place d’Armes, Suite 2800 Montreal, QC H2Y 2W2 (Canada) Tel: (514) 288-2221 Fax: (514) 288-1148 [email protected] [email protected] 16 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 HALIFAX NS SAINT-JOHN NB THUNDER BAY ON TORONTO ON QUEBEC QC HOUSTON TX NEW ORLEANS LA BATON ROUGE LA sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 17 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Partnership with Port of Antwerp bolsters trade relationship The Port of Montreal and the Port of Antwerp have a longstanding relationship. The Port of Antwerp is the Port of Montreal’s main trading partner in Europe. More than one out of every five containers that the Port of Montreal handles comes from or goes to the Port of Antwerp. This represents an annual bilateral container volume of close to 300,000 TEUs. The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and the Antwerp Port Authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2013 aimed at fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in marketing and business development to further bolster their already substantial maritime trade relations across the Atlantic. Within the accord, the ports have identified four areas of cooperation that will continue to evolve: (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) is expected to bring additional traffic through Montreal. “The Port, which welcomes the world’s leading marine carriers, has many longstanding European partners,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “Our business relations are promised a bright future thanks to the new free-trade agreement between Canada and the European Union that will promote trade on both sides of the Atlantic. “CETA is made to measure for the Port of Montreal. We already are the leading port on the North American East Coast for trade between Northern Europe and North America’s industrial heartland. With our strategic location between the world’s two largest economic blocs – the EU and NAFTA – the Port of Montreal is the natural gateway for Europe.” “Our daily existence has become dependent on globalization,” said Sokat Shaikh, Managing Director of MSC Canada. “The majority of what all Canadians buy at any retail point, along with manufacturing within Canada, is traded with countries worldwide. MSC’s global investments thus far, along with future long-term investments, will continue to remain aligned with both global and regional demands. “MSC Canada’s investment in terminals along with independent liner services for imports and exports to and from Canada are ready to accommodate the organic growth and the expected growth from the CETA agreement. Our commitment to simplifying our customers’ trade with Europe will continue to be our focus.” 1. Business Intelligence: exchanging market information for the purpose of sustaining the growth and development of the two ports; 2. Marketing and Commercial Development: working together in order to foster commercial development between the two ports and to increase their visibility within their respective markets and within emerging markets; 3. Sustainable Development/Social Responsibility: sharing best practices, lessons learned and experiences in order to further improve measures for sustainable development and relations with neighbouring communities; and 4. Asset Management: sharing best practices, lessons learned and experiences in order to better manage port, rail and road infrastructures, relations with tenants and service contracts. The Port of Montreal and the Port of Antwerp organize a joint trade mission once a year, alternately in Antwerp and Montreal. The next trade mission is scheduled for Antwerp in May. In January, the MPA’s Vice-President of Operations, Daniel Dagenais, participated in a European trade mission led by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard that included a tour of the Port of Antwerp. Moving forward, the ports, among other initiatives, will: • Develop, within the scope of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, a detailed joint study on traffic moving between North America and Europe via the two ports; • Explore transshipment scenarios for new markets by sharing information on the African market (Port of Antwerp) and the North American market (Port of Montreal); and • Support all initiatives to support transport fluidity and the simplification of customs procedures between the two ports. The Port of Montreal’s new branding strategy, ‘Trading with the World,’ is an integral part of its strategic plan to increase its visibility on an international scale. “The partnership with the Port of Antwerp fits in perfectly with this strategic approach,” said MPA Marketing Manager Yves Gilson. “It allows the Port to bolster its presence in a major market that it serves. It demonstrates the Port’s desire to help its clients increase their business, and it supports them in their growth efforts. And it provides the Port with opportunities to attract new customers.” “The partnership between the Port of Montreal and the Port of Antwerp is based on shared values and shared interests and is a win-win for either party,” said Frank Geerkens, Port Ambassador for the Port of Antwerp. “The agreement between our ports has been strengthening our mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of port management, business development and marketing. Furthermore, our teams share best practices on a variety of domains, including asset management, safety and security, and sustainability. This has proven to be beneficial to our clients, our local labour markets and port operations in general.” April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 17 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:10 PM Page 18 18 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 19 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Diversification helps drive growth at Port of Montreal W hile Northern Europe remains the Port of Montreal’s main trading partner, new markets continue to open up around the world for the Port. The Mediterranean is now the point of origin or destination for 20 per cent of the containers moving through the Port. Three services link Montreal directly to Mediterranean ports: the Canada Express 1 and the new Canada Express 2, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and the Med Canada Service (MCA), operated by Hapag-Lloyd. Moreover, the Port of Montreal is now handling an increasing amount of containers that originate in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. These boxes travel aboard mega-ships via the Suez Canal to transshipment ports in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe where they are then reloaded onto medium-sized ships headed for North America and bound for Montreal. Today, Asia and the Middle East are the point of origin or final destination for 15 and 8 per cent, respectively, of the containers moving through the Port of Montreal. A country such as Indonesia now represents 7 per cent of the Port’s container traffic. “More shippers are using the Suez Canal to sail west from Asia to avoid increasing traffic and congestion at North American West Coast ports,” said Tony Boemi, Vice-President of Growth and Development for the Montreal Port Authority. The Port of Montreal’s traffic with Asia increased by close to 1 per cent in 2014; it was the region that registered the largest traffic gain over the previous year. The Asian market has become so important to the Port that it now has a representative in Hong Kong, to go along with representation in the United States and Europe. Moreover, the Port has been involved in numerous trade missions to Asia over the past several years. Most recently, Mr. Boemi was part of a trade mission to China led by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. “We were there to promote the Port of Montreal as a reliable and consistent port that, at the end of the day, is a viable alternative to North American West Coast ports and their challenges,” Mr. Boemi said. One company that uses the Port of Montreal to move cargo from Asia to North America is Dorel Industries Inc. Based in Montreal and operating in 26 countries, Dorel manufactures juvenile products including child car seats, a wide variety of bicycles, and home furniture products. It moves hundreds of containers through the Port of Montreal annually. “The Port of Montreal is an alternative to North American West Coast ports for reliable and consistent transit times,” said Michael Grier, Corporate Director of Global Logistics for Dorel. “All-water service from China via the Suez Canal into Montreal is competitive both in terms of cost and transit time. It is a viable and efficient option. “It offers reliable access to the North American market. With two April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 19 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:11 PM Page 20 MOL VESSEL ON-TIME PERFORMANCE OCT. - DEC. 2014 ASIA-U.S. WEST COAST 68% ASIA-U.S. EAST COAST 56% TRANSATLANTIC 64% ASIA-EUROPE 52% ASIA–EAST COAST SOUTH AMERICA 92% ASIA-MEXICO/WEST COAST SOUTH AMERICA INTRA ASIA 100% 57% TARGET: 100% IN-TERMINAL TRUCK TURN TIME NORTH AMERICA JACKSONVILLE MARCH 2015 18 MIN. LOS ANGELES OAKLAND 45 MIN. 33 MIN. TARGET: <30 MIN. Operations performance you can count on. Arriving. Reducing. Processing. Improving. MOL is now in the fourth year of publishing key performance indicators. Numbers can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, but we strive for improvement wherever possible and to be your partner in performance. Review all of our fresh KPI results at CountOnMOL.com. MOL (Canada) Inc. has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. To book cargo, visit MOLpower.com or contact MOL Customer Service at 1-800-449-7575. 20 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 March 16, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 20 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:23 PM Page 21 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Class 1 railways, it is a direct gateway into the U.S. Midwest. Montreal is a resource that is not fully utilized in most importer networks. “The Port is a strong partner that understands its customers’ needs and works well with them.” To the south, transshipment ports in the Caribbean handle containerized cargo traffic that originates in Asia and in Latin American countries on the Pacific Ocean and then transits the Panama Canal. On the whole, Latin America accounts for 6 per cent of the containerized cargo traffic moving through the Port of Montreal. MSC offers a direct service on this route through its East Canada Express. Today, 27.7 per cent of the containers moving through the Port are transshipped. In other regions of the world, traffic with Africa/Oceania represents about 4 per cent of the containerized cargo volumes moving through the Port of Montreal. Hapag-Lloyd and Canada States Africa Line provide direct services on this route. The remaining 3 per cent of containerized cargo handled at the Port of Montreal is domestic traffic, including general cargo, PORT OF MONTREAL CONTAINER MARKETS moving between Montreal and St. John’s and transported by Newfoundland-based Oceanex. Meanwhile, the Port’s inland container markets have evolved. The number of containers moving to or from Quebec increased by 7.1 per cent in 2014 compared with the previous year. The number of containers moving to or from the rest of Canada, and to or from the U.S. Midwest, increased by 5.4 and 6 per cent, respectively, in 2014. Today, about 40 per cent of the containerized goods handled at the Port move to or from the Quebec market, followed by Ontario at 26 per cent, and the U.S. Midwest at 17 per cent. PORT OF MONTREAL REPRESENTATIVES EUROPE Medov Shipping Agency Giulio Schenone, Chairman Telephone: +39-010-5490254 Email: [email protected] Alessandro Barberis, Managing Director Telephone: +39-010-5490260 Email: [email protected] Website: www.medov.it UNITED STATES Donald Finnerty, Director, Growth and Development, USA Telephone: 313-600-6600 Email: [email protected] Website: www.knightglobalsolutions.com ASIA Jeremy Masters, Director, Growth and Development, Asia Telephone: 852 2824 8846 Mobile: 852 6692 2798 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shippingmastershk.com April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 21 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 22 GOING THE DISTANCE. CP is known as a leading North American railway and we’re also an international supply chain solution - moving the world¹s goods to market. At CP, our focus is on helping you grow your bottom line by providing the best service. Wherever you are, wherever you need to be. cpr.ca | [email protected] sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 23 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Port ready to play integral role in Quebec’s Maritime Strategy T he Port of Montreal is ready to be an integral part of Quebec’s new Maritime Strategy. “We are delighted by the Government of Quebec’s commitment to introduce a strategy that will energize the province’s maritime transportation sector and we are prepared to play a central role in it,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). In its 2015-16 budget unveiled on March 26, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of more than $1.5 billion in the Quebec Maritime Strategy and for its intention to promote the implementation of logistics hubs. Some $95 million worth of investments were earmarked for the Port of Montreal to improve road access to the Port and to restore the Iberville Passenger Terminal and the pier on which it is located. The Port of Montreal is at the centre of an integrated marine, rail, road and pipeline network. It handled a record 30.4 million tonnes of highly diversified cargo in 2014. More than $41 billion worth of goods move through the Port annually, and its activities represent $2.1 billion in added value to the Canadian economy and create 16,000 direct and indirect jobs. Montreal is the only container port on the Ontario-Quebec Continental Gateway and Trade Corridor, which carries more than 71 per cent of Canada’s international trade. The Port handled 1.4 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit containers) in 2014. Montreal is Canada’s second largest container port and the fifth most important container port on North America’s East Coast. “All of this positions the Port of Montreal well to be an essential component of Quebec’s Maritime Strategy,” Ms. Vachon said. “Moreover, the strategy complements the Port of Montreal’s own strategy that has been in place for many years now to promote Montreal as an international port that trades with the world.” In particular, Quebec’s Maritime Strategy aims to situate Quebec as the hub for transatlantic shipping, and seize opportunities related to the new Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU). “Montreal already is the leading port on the North American East Coast for trade between Northern Europe and North America’s industrial heartland,” Ms. Vachon said. “Our strategic location between the EU and NAFTA – the world’s two largest economic blocs – makes us the natural gateway for Europe.” Beyond its strength on the North Atlantic, Montreal has succeeded in increasing its cargo volumes with other regions of the world. 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Quebec’s Maritime Strategy will look to capitalize on opportunities related to the enlargement of the Panama Canal locks, slated for completion early next year. In this regard, the Port of Montreal, through its development projects recently completed or now underway, will be ready to handle additional traffic that moves aboard mega-ships through the expanded canal and is then transshipped in the Caribbean aboard medium-sized vessels for onward movement to Montreal. Quebec’s Maritime Strategy calls for the development of the Montreal region as one of the major North American hubs for trade logistics in goods handling. The Port of Montreal was a driving force behind the creation of CargoM, the Logistics and Transportation Metropolitan Cluster of Montreal. CargoM will launch developmental projects that promote Montreal as a logistics and freight transportation hub and introduce best practices and leading-edge technologies. The Port of Montreal is pleased that Quebec’s Maritime Strategy calls for the development of the access road between 24 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Highway 25 and the Port that will allow trucks to directly reach the Port’s common truck entry portal and provide trucks leaving the Port with direct access to the highway network. The Government of Quebec announced in its March 26 budget an investment of $75 million to improve direct road access to the Port. “For a port, the flow of transportation is a measure of efficiency and competitiveness. That makes optimizing road access missioncritical,” Ms. Vachon said. “In this budget, the government is providing investments that will make it possible for trucks to exit more efficiently to the highway network and decongest the local road network. Besides, any logistics activity that requires shipping lines to come to the Port to pick up or deliver containers is a win for us.” The Maritime Strategy also calls for the continued development and promotion of international cruises on the St. Lawrence River, an industry that already contributes some $14 million annually to the local economy. Thanks in great part to the efforts of the Montreal Cruise Committee to attract more cruise enthusiasts to Montreal, the Port welcomed a record 71,044 passengers and crew members in 2014. The Government of Quebec announced the provision of $20 million in its 2015-16 budget to restore the Port’s Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal. “This is an important milestone in carrying out this project for the future of Montreal and the Quebec tourism industry,” Ms. Vachon said. “Having a new passenger terminal bolsters the development of the tourism industry and promotes major economic benefits and impacts for Montreal and the various levels of government, while giving citizens quality access to the river and creating an emblematic gateway worthy of Montreal.” In addition to the Quebec government investment, the City of Montreal committed to a $15-million contribution toward the project when it filed its three-year capital works program for 2015-17. The MPA will continue to work on the project’s financing structure, a pre-commencement condition. “The Port of Montreal has all of the elements in place to play a pivotal role in Quebec’s Maritime Strategy,” Ms. Vachon said. “We look forward to working with the Government of Quebec to further strengthen this vital sector of the economy.” sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 25 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Sustainable development: a value anchored in port activity S ustainable development is a value inherent to the mission of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). It rises above and beyond the MPA’s obligation to conform to various environmental laws and by-laws and reflects its commitment to integrating economic, environmental and social policies into port activities. “At the Port of Montreal, we are committed to fulfil our role as a responsible corporate citizen,” said Sophie Roux, the MPA’s Vice-President of Public Affairs. “Ensuring responsible management, increasing contributions to the local community, promoting responsible communication, engaging our stakeholders and reducing our environmental footprint are among the guiding principles of our Sustainable Development Policy. “Social responsibility is a big mandate that I inherited when I joined the MPA almost two years ago.” Hosting open houses to present major development projects to the general public, adopting a new Community Investment Policy, supporting community-anchored initiatives that benefit youth and families, and new environmental initiatives are just some of the ways in which the Port of Montreal is fulfilling its role as a good corporate citizen. Responsible communication The Port continues to strengthen its presence and ties with its neighbouring communities and foster a spirit of communication, openness and transparency with the public. Most recently, it reached out to the public regarding two large-scale development projects: the extensive restoration of Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal in the Old Port area, and the project to develop a container terminal on land that the MPA owns in Contrecoeur. As part of a public consultation phase, the Port held open houses in December to present the projects to residents, listen to their comments, gather their input and answer their questions. MPA officials presented the Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal project at open houses that were held over a threeday period. About 100 people met at the site of the current passenger terminal for the public information and exchange process. The Alexandra Pier/Iberville Passenger Terminal project is valued at $78 million. The MPA is working to complete its financing structure, a pre-commencement condition. The MPA also held an open house on its project to develop a container terminal at Contrecoeur. More than 200 inhabitants from the nearby municipalities of Contrecoeur and Verchères accepted the Port’s invitation to attend this information session. MPA officials answered questions about environmental issues, truck and train traffic, and job creation for the region. The project would create some 470 jobs per year during construction and up to 1,000 jobs once the terminal is in operation. Among the well-known municipal politicians in the open house crowd was Contrecoeur Mayor Suzanne Dansereau. “This information meeting was a very good example of consultation with local area resi- April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 25 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 26 PORT OF MONTREAL important to them that it be carried out.” In both cases, the open houses followed meetings with political, social, transportation and environmental stakeholders to discuss the projects. For the MPA, this ongoing pre-consultation and information process is an essential condition to the success of the projects and the attainment of benefits for the community at large. Community Investment Policy The Port continues to support initiatives that contribute to the well-being of its neighbouring communities. The MPA has redefined its Community Investment Policy in order to align it with its new Strategic Plan, all within the realm of responsible leadership. The policy also strengthens community investment eligibility requirements and the evaluation process for initiatives, and better defines the sectors that the MPA supports. The policy promotes: Within the scope of its Community Investment Policy, the Port of Montreal is a proud partner in several projects including Vélopousse. dents,” Ms. Dansereau said. “The Montreal Port Authority is concerned about the population of Contrecoeur and listens to their opinion. Citizens were free to talk and ask questions, and received in return all of the pertinent information about the Port of Montreal expansion project. “Without a doubt, this is a much-anticipated project for the people of our region. Many Contrecoeur citizens attended this consultation process, showing their interest in this project and why it is 26 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 • Socioeconomic development (creating jobs, enhancing employability, promoting student retention, entrepreneurship, addressing the root causes of poverty); • Training related to marine careers (projects raising awareness of marine and port careers, training programs, labour market integration initiatives for skilled labour); and • A healthy environment (awareness, protection, restoration and/or beautification of natural environments for its city and its communities). The MPA gives special consideration to candidates that demonstrate the potential to have an impact in at least one of these three sectors. “We wanted to establish a systematic decision-making process for sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 27 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL initiatives to support,” Ms. Roux said. “It was very important that we bring our new Community Investment Policy in line with our Strategic Plan. “Strengthening community relations is at the heart of the MPA’s mandate. Reinvesting in communities that are adjacent to our operations is a key tenant of our community relations focus.” Within the scope of its Community Investment Policy, the Port of Montreal is a proud partner in three projects that provide assistance to young people in the Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough: • ÉcoMaris: a not-for-profit organization that creates learning experiences through team sailboat training and environmental discovery. The Port has provided grants for young people to take a one-week course on the Roter Sand, the first sail training vessel in Quebec dedicated to the environment. • Samajam: a program that helps young people develop their selfesteem, their sense of belonging to their school and community, and their love of learning. Its tool is music. Students participate in weekly percussion, dance, singing and instrument-playing sessions that culminate in a big show at the end of the year. • Vélopousse: a collaborative pedicab project initiated by a community youth employment centre. The project provides local young adults with jobs as cycling tour guides. The Port has provided a sponsorship toward the construction of booths and training for the guides about the history of the Port. Among the MPA’s other community initiatives are the annual Port in the City Day, where the Port Authority invites the public aboard a free one-hour cruise to discover port facilities; hosting groups and transportation and logistics students for visits and presentations; publication of the electronic community magazine Logbook; the addition of a special section on the Port website for Neighbours and Friends of the Port; and support for various fundraising programs. The MPA has replaced wooden railway ties with steel railway ties in the strategic area of its railway interchange zone. These steel ties are more durable, ecological and economical than wooden ties. They are also stronger and do not shift, thereby reducing the risk of derailments. The Port has also been installing and testing crossties made of a composite material consisting of plastic bottles and recycled tires. It is currently studying how they react to the Quebec climate and, in particular, its rough winters. If results continue to be satisfactory, these new composite crossties will gradually replace the old wooden ties, as they need to be replaced. A composite tie is estimated to last 40 years, compared to about a decade for a wooden tie. The new crosstie is 100 per cent recyclable at the end of its life cycle. As part of restoration work in the petroleum products zone, the MPA used a special technique to install two dolphins in order to lengthen by 40 metres the berth at Section 102 so that it can accommodate larger tankers. A dolphin is a fixed man-made structure that is not connected to shore. It typically consists of a number of piles that are anchored into the seabed and joined above the water to create a single structure. For this project, the MPA sank the piles to the riverbed and then used a drilling technique that is quieter than the traditional technique that drives the piles into the riverbed with a heavy weight. The Port monitored noise levels during the construction period. However, because it drilled the piles into place rather than drive them down, there was no disturbing noise for nearby residents or aquatic life. Environmental footprint The Port has taken numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. In fact, the Port of Montreal recorded in 2014 the best results among Quebec ports and the third-best results among North American ports that participate in the Green Marine environmental program. As part of the first phase of the redevelopment of the Viau sector into a container-handling site, a highly innovative soil recovery and reuse project that employed a soil encapsulation technique allowed the MPA to reuse 44,000 tonnes of poor soil that had been extracted at the site. The extracted soil was mixed with cement to increase solidity and then re-deposited at the bottom of excavated areas. The Association québécoise du transport (Quebec Transport Association) awarded a Grand Prize for Excellence in Transportation, Environment Category, to engineering firm SNC-Lavalin, which partnered with the MPA on the soil reinforcement project. Moreover, Claude Beaubien, Chief Engineer in the Port’s Infrastructure Management Department, won the Award of Merit from the Cement Association of Canada for the soil encapsulation technique. The Port of Montreal began using an electronic management system in 2014 that measures truck fluidity on port territory at approaches to marine terminals. The Port’s target is to reduce by 10 per cent the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from trucks within the next five years. The Port continued its hybrid vehicle acquisition program and installed speed regulators on its vehicles in 2014. Through this program, it has registered a 33-per-cent reduction in GHGs compared with 2007. To compensate for GHG emissions, the Port of Montreal adopted a tree-planting program at the end of 2014. Its objective is to plant 150 trees per year. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 27 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 28 PORT OF MONTREAL Port sails into exciting cruise season T he Port of Montreal is about to sail into an exciting cruise season that promises a record number of passengers and new cruise lines and ships, and hopes for a new cruise terminal. The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has unveiled a plan for the extensive restoration of its Iberville Passenger Terminal and Alexandra Pier on which it is located. The project will breathe new life into the reception facilities that greet cruise passengers who sail into Montreal, providing a welcome that is on par with the city’s international reputation. The project will include a world-class passenger terminal, a green roof and other open spaces accessible to the public, an interactive port interpretation centre, a redesigned parking area, a lowered pier facilitating water access, and an observation tower that will become an attractive element for cruise development. “The future Alexandra Pier will be an exceptionally welcoming site that will allow people to feel a sense of pride in their Port,” said Sylvie Vachon, the MPA’s President and CEO. “Our objective is to give Montrealers and visitors a new terminal in 2017 to coincide with the City of Montreal’s 375th anniversary.” The restoration project is valued at $78 million. The MPA is working to complete its financing structure, a pre-commencement condition. The City of Montreal has indicated its support for the project in the form of a $15-million contribution announced in its three-year capital works program for 2015-17. The Government of Quebec announced the provision of $20 million toward the project in its 2015-16 budget as part of its Quebec Maritime Strategy. Alexandra Pier was built in 1901, and Iberville Passenger Terminal was inaugurated for the Montreal Universal and International Exposition of 1967, or Expo 67. Montreal is becoming more and more popular with cruise lines and travellers. The Port enjoyed a record year in this sector in 2014, welcoming 71,044 passengers and crew members, up 1.5 per cent over the previous season. “The Port of Montreal is riding high on the cruise business,” said Tony Boemi, the MPA’s Vice-President of Growth and Development and President of the Cruise the Saint Lawrence Association. He said that the cruise business continues to grow in Montreal thanks in great part to the efforts of the Montreal Cruise Committee. Supported by Tourism Quebec, the committee is an initiative in which the MPA and Tourism Montreal have teamed up with the City of Montreal and five local organizations – Aéroports de Montréal (Montreal airports), the Hotel Association of Greater Montreal, Montreal Casino, the Old Montreal Business Development Corporation and the Old Port of The Port of Montreal welcomed a record 71,044 passengers and crew members in 2014. 28 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Montreal – to promote Montreal as a cruise destination of choice. Among the projects the committee has undertaken is the creation of a microsite – www.cruisesalamontreal.com – dedicated to providing key information about Montreal and its port to the cruise and travel trade industries. Meanwhile, the Port’s Genoa, Italybased representative, Medov shipping agency, is working to promote throughout Europe the Port of Montreal as a cruise destination. The 2015 cruise season, which starts May 7 and ends October 29, should set new records, with more than 90,000 passengers and crew members expected to visit Montreal. U.S.-based Haimark Line, renowned for premium service and distinctive rivercruise itineraries, has chosen Montreal as a home port for the newly refurbished 210-passenger cruise ship MS Saint-Laurent for the entire 2015 season. Haimark Line plans a total of eight cruises between Montreal and Portland, Maine, and between Montreal and Chicago, aboard the Saint-Laurent. Haimark will feature expert lecturers aboard the majority of its cruises throughout the season. Award-winning broadcast journalist and former CBS News anchor Dan Rather will be a speaker on the inaugural voyage from Montreal on May 30. Haimark will also offer a MontrealNiagara-Quebec-Montreal itinerary during the season. Thomas Markwell, Managing Partner, Sales and Marketing, for Haimark, Ltd., said there is renewed interest among North American cruise enthusiasts to travel closer to home. “We have found that the Province of Quebec and the City of Montreal are really undervalued as a cruise destination,” he said. “With its culture and character, Montreal and Quebec are wonderful destinations. With Montreal serving as a home port, it will give our clientele a flavour of the city.” The Saint-Laurent is expected to bring nearly 7,000 more passengers to Montreal this season. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the Marco Polo cruise ship, which will visit Montreal on August 13-14 and September 24-25. Marco Polo began life in 1965 as Baltic Steamship Company’s Alexandr Pushkin, named after the Russian poet. sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 29 2015: PIVOTAL YEAR FOR PORT OF MONTREAL Port receives another award of excellence for its cruise operations The Montreal Port Authority has unveiled a plan for the extensive restoration of its passenger terminal and the pier on which it is located. The ship was sold to Orient Lines in 1991 and renamed Marco Polo. Norwegian Cruise Lines acquired Orient Lines in 2002. Six years later, Greek company Global Maritime bought the ship. Cruise & Maritime Voyages took over the U.K. operations of Marco Polo in 2010. Departing from London, the Golden Anniversary voyages to Montreal will retrace Marco Polo’s transatlantic service as Alexandr Pushkin. This will also be the last year that Holland America Line’s MS Maasdam will sail to Montreal. After 10 seasons on the Canada/New England route, the MS Veendam will replace it in 2016. The Port of Montreal’s cruise operations have been recognized yet again by Cruise Insight magazine. The Port received the Best Turnaround Destination award during the Seatrade Cruise Shipping international convention and trade show held in Miami in March. The award recognizes cruise destinations around the world that offer a superior welcome to disembarking and boarding passengers. This is the fourth time that the Port of Montreal has won the award (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015) and the 11th recognition that the magazine has bestowed upon the Port since 2008. It received the Most Efficient Port Services award in 2013, Most Responsive Port in 2012, Most Efficient Terminal Operator in 2011 and 2012, and Best Turnaround Port Operations in 2008, 2009 and 2011. “This award confirms Montreal’s importance as a destination of choice for cruise passengers while drawing attention to the efforts of our personnel and our Montreal Cruise Committee partners, who are the keys to success in the steady expansion of the cruise market,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 29 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 30 PORT OF MONTREAL Montreal to host revamped ACPA conference T he Port of Montreal will be hosting the 2015 Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting from September 29 to October 1. ‘Pushing the Limits’ is the theme of this year’s event, to be held at the Westin Hotel in Old Montreal. The revamped conference is taking place one month later than usual and within a shorter time frame to make it more convenient and affordable for organizers and delegates. “We’re working hard to make the most of the three days with an intent focus on the up-and-coming business aspects that port authorities must embrace to make the most of future opportunities,” said Sophie Roux, Vice-President of Public Affairs for the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). “Innovation, technology, emerging markets, social partnerships and learning from other industries are some of the topics that will be addressed.” As part off the efforts to ‘push the limits’ and ‘think outside of the box,’ Canadian astronaut Julie Payette will host a special networking reception on September 30 between 5:30 and 7 p.m. at the Montreal Science Centre, where she now serves as CEO. “It’s a great locale to spark innovative thinking,” Ms. Roux said. “The centre is a former port warehouse that has been transformed into a valued community asset.” Éric Fournier, Partner and Executive Producer of Moment Factory, a new media and entertainment studio whose clients include Cirque du Soleil and Los Angeles International Airport, will address conference delegates on September 29. Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Port of Montreal on October 1. “We’re excited to show our colleagues the significant investments we’ve made in new infrastructure, as well as the steps we’re taking to increase efficiencies, introduce value-added services, improve sustainability, attract emerging markets, and accommodate larger vessels,” said Sylvie Vachon, the MPA’s President and CEO and Past Chair of ACPA. 30 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Canadian astronaut Julie Payette will host a special networking reception at the Montreal Science Centre on September 30. The ACPA conference will also include a trade show on September 29 and 30. Further information is available at http://acpa2015.ca/ sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 31 Shipping Federation of Canada 14th Annual Conference May 6 , 2 015 ( 1000 - 1 400 h rs) Ritz Carlton Hotel 1228 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: OCEAN SHIPPING OUTLOOK Opening of Conference HO ONOURABLE NOURABLE LISA RAITT ster off Transport (invited) Minister What’s on th thee Horizon for the Bulk and Contain Container er Sectors? PETER KERR-DINEEN Chairman Howe Robinson Shipbrokers, London A Shipper’s Perspective on Major Trends and Market Forces ETIENNE JAC ACQUES QUES Chief Operating Officer Primary Metal - North A America merica Rio Tinto Alcan Cocktails and Lunch with Keynote Sp Speaker eaker KEITH CREEL President and Chief Chief Operating Officer CP Rail CANADIAN MARINE MARINE PILOTS AS SOCIATION PILOTS ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION FEES Full Ev Event ent Lu Lunch nch Onl Onlyy Members Members $195 $1 95 $95 $95 Non Members $250 $2 50 $125 $125 For additional information, please contac contactt Farah Ahmad Ahmad (514-849-2325 (514-849-2325 ext. 221 221 or [email protected]) sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 32 Oil-by-rail: The start of the second period BY DARRYL ANDERSON AND K. JOSEPH SPEARS n February 20, Bill C-52, the Safe and Accountable Rail Act was introduced into Parliament. The proposed legislation offers amendments to both The Canada Transportation Act and the Rail Safety Act. In summary, Bill C-52 sets out new minimum insurance requirements, introduces new levies for crude oil shippers, and provides for enhanced oversight and information sharing. This article provides an overview of the stated policy of the government of Canada with respect to transport safety management of which oil-by-rail is but one important subset of the movement of dangerous goods. Bill C-52 in the amendments to the Rail Safety Act will permit rail safety inspectors to take a more proactive approach with respect to rail safety, with increased powers. For example, section 25 of Bill C-52 amends section 31 of the Rail Safety Act. Section 31 is now proposed to be amended to read: 31(1) If the rail safety inspector is of the opinion that a person’s conduct or any thing for which a person is responsible constitutes a threat to the safety or security of railway operations, the inspector shall inform, by notice sent to the person and to any company whose rail operations are affected by the threat, the person and the company of that opinion and of the reason for it. (2) If the rail safety inspector is satisfied that the threat is immediate, the inspector may, in the notice to the person or any company whose rail operation are affected by the threat, take measures that are specified in the notice to mitigate the threat until it is been removed to the inspector’s satisfaction. These provisions give more regulatory authority to Transport Photo: Wikipedia O Canada rail safety inspectors then previously existed, and can be applied in the prevention and protection phase of risk management to avert incidents, for example limiting rail speed. Similar type provisions are long-standing in the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and its predecessor that allowed a Marine safety inspector appointed under the authority of Parliament to detain any ship it felt was unsafe, and can be traced back to the 19th century and the UK’s Merchant Shipping Acts. It did not require the Minister of Transport’s or executive level approval. Rather, the CHINA SHIPPING (CANADA) AGENCY CO. LTD. AAN Prince Rupert: Tianjin – Qingdao – Shanghai – Dalian ANW-1 Vancouver: China Shipping We bring China closer VANCOUVER Nansha-Hong Kong-Yantian-Ningbo-Shanghai-Pusan MONTREAL Toll Free: 1-888-458-3113 Tel: (514) 788-2917 Tel: (604) 632-3881 Fax: (514) 788-2926 Fax: (604) 633-0641 [email protected] [email protected] TORONTO For additional information, please visit our website at www.chinashipping.ca Or contact your closest China Shipping Container Lines office. Additional connecting services to Asian destinations 32 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 HALIFAX Toll Free: 1-866-218-3888 Tel: (902) 423-0748 Tel: (416) 232-1686 Fax: (902) 423-1216 Fax: (416) 232-2456 [email protected] [email protected] sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 33 power could be exercised solely in the opinion of the inspector. This is a very powerful tool in the regulatory toolbox. Including such provisions in Bill C-52 seems to indicate that the regulatory agency, Transport Canada, does not believe that the current rail safety management system is as effective as it should be, and requires greater powers to take proactive preventative measures. The 2007 Transport Canada policy document Moving Forward -Changing the Safety and Security Culture - A Strategic Direction for Safety and Security Management provides the underlying governance philosophy that is being further refined with Bill C-52. It is based on the regulator working in partnership to apply risk management strategies. This approach to risk management is based on a system of prevention, protection and response. The goal is to prevent accidents from happening by concentrating on the prevention side to addresses various factors such as rail bed maintenance, training, fatigue, and train speed. This risk approach seeks to minimize low probability, high consequence events that can have disastrous impacts on communities as we have seen in Lac Megnatic, and in the three recent derailments in Northern Ontario. If Moving Forward represented the first period in the new era of our transport risk hockey game, surely Bill C-52 marks the start of the second period in the rail league. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) will be seeing a lot of ice time in this second period since it is investigating the three most recent rail incidents. Statisticians and commentators on the transport of dangerous goods will know that the TSB findings will be critical in determining how a safety management system across the rail sector must evolve. Yet, we suggest that this is only one of the players that need to be in the game and see more ice time. In addition, the federal government, the railways, and local communities need to be part of the starting line-up. However, the Minister of Transport has stated publicly that she is awaiting the TSB report before further commenting. Contemporary safety management best practices seek to integrate corporate regulatory risk management and stakeholder perspectives and concerns in establishing performance objectives and progress indicators. Currently, a more flexible risk management approach is used that focuses on outcomes rather than the more prescriptive style of rules and processdriven regulations that characterized earlier periods of transport safety management. It was thought that this less prescriptive approach would encourage early adoption of new technologies, and that best practices would be brought to bear to minimize transportation risk. Standards could be developed working in conjunction with the private sector and the regulator. However, perhaps regulators have been late to realize that at a local community level the only thing that matters is the safe passage of trains rolling through communities. Given the importance of Canada’s multimodal transport system, we need to look at the regulation of all transportation sectors and, in particular, the railways, which is the subject matter of this article, across federal, provincial and municipal boundaries and jurisdictions. As the second period unfolds, have we begun to realize that environmental, safety and economic regulations are interconnected, and must be examined under the lens of safety management, which is simply a form of both governance and corporate risk management. The key is to create a nimble regulatory regime that encourages economic activity but at the same time minimizes risk. There has been very little analysis done between these linkages. Under the leadership of former federal Minister of Industry and Trade, David Emerson, The Minister of Transport has set up a Review Panel under the Canada April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 33 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 34 Transportation Act to provide guidance on possible steps to help ensure that the national transportation system has the capacity and nimbleness to support economic activity across all sectors over the medium and long-term. From the safety standpoint, it will specifically cover how safety and well–being concerns related to rail transportation through communities can be addressed. The fact that Bill C- 52 has been tabled in Parliament before that Review Panel has issued its report highlights the sensitivity around the safe transport of oil products which has not lost sight of the context in which the transport of dangerous goods game is being played: the amount of oil-by-rail traffic has jumped significantly in Canada and the United States because of the lack of pipeline capacity. David Emerson wrote in the February 2011 issue of Policy Options an article entitled “Why Canada needs an Energy Strategy”, in which he stated that “Canada has spent billions on the Asia – Pacific gateway corridors initiative, but its failure to include 21st century oil and gas transportation and logistics capacity is a glaring gap that will seriously constrain the economy over time.” Mr. Emerson went on to argue that Canada should commit to a high standard of resource stewardship with environmental performance standards across water, land and ecosystems. Whether his remarks provide any glimpse into where the Review Panel may be headed remains to be seen as this second period unfolds. The Lac Megantic derailment has been described as a low probability, high consequence incident or “Black Swan” event. A black swan event is a metaphor that describes an event that is a surprise (to the observer), and which has a major impact. While the amendments contained in Bill C-52 are a good regulatory first step, all aspects of rail safety need to be examined, including the economic components of rail transportation. Under Bill C-52 a regime is being created where the shippers are paying a levy for increased insurance, along with increased freight rates. This simply addresses the issue with respect to the response component of risk management. It does not address in any way the prevention and protection phase of risk management. Lac Megantic was a wake-up call for action to ensure our transportations system is both nimble and safe. This will be especially challenging in a declining price environment for oil, coupled with lack of access to pipeline capacity. The Canada Transportation Act review is an integral part of reviewing this issue. Rail safety is an integral part of our transportation strategy. It is not an add-on. Hockey is Canada’s national game. Hockey and Canada’s railways are intertwined with our Canadian identity. Railways were the strands of steel that bound Canada together in the 19th century and they are critically important in the globalized 21st century for a variety of reasons. For one, they are one of the most environmentally efficient way of moving goods on land with a low carbon footprint. If we use the hockey analogy as a lens, issues dealing with both safety regulation and liability and compensation arising from the movement of oil-by-rail are really the start of the second period of the game. The period has just got underway and there is lots more action to come. K. Joseph Spears of the Horseshoe Bay Marine Group has acted as legal counsel for Canadian National. Joe assisted Transport Canada in developing and delivering a National Marine investigation course for a decade. He has been examining and researching risk management best practices from a public and private standpoint since 1984. He can be reached at [email protected] Darryl Anderson is a strategy, trade development, logistics and multi-modal transportation consultant. His blog Shipper matters focuses exclusively on transportation and trade related policy issues. (http://wavepointconsulting.ca/shipping-matters). He can be reached at [email protected] Online Learning: Anytime, Anywhere Register Now for an eL eLearning Learning On Demand certificate program, designed for independent learners to study online, at their own pace. All Certificate Programs... are FIATA validated and count toward your FIATA Diploma, helping you achieve global recognition are accredited by FIATA and the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council combine theory, practical exercises, and case studies relevant in day-to-day operations Register today and start tomorrow with eLearing On Demand For more information, contact [email protected] [email protected] International Freight Forwarders Canadian Inter national Fr eight Forwar ders Association 34 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 35 Are oil train derailments a new fact of life? BY R. BRUCE STRIEGLER CN derailment near the small Ontario town of Gogama on March 7, 2015 was the second in three days in Canada and the fifth in three weeks in North America. Thirty to forty tankcars loaded with crude oil came off CN’s mainline tracks, at least five caught fire, and others tumbled into the Mattagami River. The train was 6,089 feet long and weighed 14,355 tonnes. On February 14, a CN derailment occurred in the same area south of Timmins, when 29 cars loaded with crude oil and petroleum distillates derailed and caused a fire. A BNSF Railway train loaded with crude oil derailed and caught fire two days earlier in a rural area south of Galena, Illinois. In that accident, 21 of the train’s 105 cars derailed near where the Galena River meets the Mississippi. BNSF said the resulting fire spread to five railcars. Local reports indicated that firefighters could only access the derailment site by a bike path. Last month, a CP Rail freight train derailment in nearby Dubuque, Iowa, spilled ethanol fuel into the water and set three cars on fire. Dubuque, which is 14 miles to the northwest of Galena, has almost 60,000 inhabitants. On February 16, a CSX train carrying three million gallons of North Dakota crude derailed in a West Virginia snowstorm, shot fireballs into the sky, destroyed a house and leaked oil into a Kanawha River tributary. The derailment and fires forced nearby water treatment plants to temporarily shut down, and caused hundreds of families to evacuate. Twenty-seven of the 107 tankcars derailed, and 19 of those were involved in the fires, which smoldered for days after. Kenneth Green, Senior Director of Resource Studies at the Fraser Institute says, “We clearly need to find out why these trains have derailed, and one of the questions goes to the commonalities between the accidents. What common factors may be behind these derailments? I don’t think we know enough about that yet, so environmental groups who may be calling for moratoriums of oil-by-rail are really only trying to leverage their anti-oil agenda with these accidents.” Green points out that the difference between pipelines and rail is not a complicated thing. “Compared to rail, pipelines go from point A to point B, they’re mostly underground, they’re generally away from highly populated areas, and they are monitored in real-time for pressure and flow, so we are able to tell quickly if they are operating correctly.” He notes that with pipelines, safety equipment and spill response gear can be prepositioned, whereas with rail, things are a vastly more complex challenge. “Railcars can be re-routed on the fly, you may not know where they are at all times, there are many, many more railcars to keep track of and there are far more opportunities for operator or mechanical error.” He adds that given the flexibility of rail, there will always be a place for it in the movement of oil, but that pipelines still present the safest method for long-distance transport. A typical oil tankercar carries about 700 barrels of oil (approximately 30,000 gallons) and most oil unit trains range in length from 90 to 110 cars. With respect to oil, the Canadian rail industry has evolved from a manifest system (which involves multiple stops), to trains that go directly from the point of origin to the point of destination. Called unit trains, they cut costs for a railway by eliminating the need for stops, starts and switching, making a trip shorter, faster and resulting in cost savings. In a January conference call reported by Canadian financial media, CN Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau is quoted saying CN expects shipments of energy-related commodities, including crude oil and frac sand, to rise by 75,000 carloads in 2015 to 292,000, from 217,000 in 2014. “There’s a lot of A investments that are being made by our customers in the energy markets, whether it’s new frac-sand plants or new infrastructure to move crude. We believe those investments are made for the long term,” he said. Meanwhile, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. has slashed its forecast for crude-by-rail volumes amid the collapse of oil prices. The Calgary-based carrier said it moved less oil in the final three months of 2014 and it expected to haul about 140,000 tankcars this year, down from an earlier estimate of 200,000. In published reports, Hunter Harrison, CP’s Chief Executive Officer, said the decline in crude prices should give the economy a boost and the railway will see a rise in demand for other commodities as a result. CP has set ambitious growth targets of doubling per-share earnings and boosting annual revenue to $10-billion by 2018. One-third of this growth is expected to be derived from moving oil as new terminals come on-stream, including the Kinder Morgan and Imperial Oil facility in Edmonton, and a Plains Midstream Canada terminal in Saskatchewan. Lack of pipeline capacity turns to huge oil-by-rail surge National Energy Board figures released March 5 show that Canada exported 173,342 barrels per day of crude by rail between October and December last year, down five per cent from 182,396 barrels per day (bpd) shipped across the border in the third quarter. However, fourth-quarter rail exports were still 16 per cent higher than the same period a year earlier. North American oil producers have increased their reliance on rail as new pipelines have become mired in regulatory processes, environmental and public protests. Oil produced from Canada’s oil sands in Alberta and the shale production from the North Dakota Bakken fields, has instead moved by rail. The Fraser Institute’s Kenneth Green says, “There may be a April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 35 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 36 slowdown in the growth of oil by rail while prices are low. The higher cost of transport by rail, combined with higher production costs for oil from Alberta may make it uneconomical to bring those producers on-line.” Green says in the short-term, the growth rate may slow, but the long-term outlook, according to all those who track energy demand, suggests demand will rebound and prices will rise and the surge on rail will continue. According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the Canadian crude oil industry faces a three to five year period of constrained pipeline capacity given the current status of proposed major crude oil expansions such as Keystone XL, the Trans Mountain Expansion, Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project and TransCanada’s proposed Energy East Pipeline. None of these projects are yet in the construction phase and some still face protracted regulatory and legal proceedings. By the end of 2015, western Canadian rail uploading capacity for crude oil is expected to exceed 1.0 million b/d. Several proposed facilities can be further expanded so rail capacity could increase to 1.4 million b/d. Producers like ExxonMobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips want a temporary way to transport oil while waiting for the U.S. to act on Keystone XL. Reports last spring show oil producers and Keystone XL developer TransCanada Corp. exploring options of transporting Canadian crude oil by railcar until the pipeline is approved. TransCanada CEO Ross Girling is quoted saying, “Our customers asked whether we would explore with them potentially building rail-car loading facilities at a place called Hardesty, which is the initiation point of the current Keystone XL project, and we’ve said we will do that, and we’ll do it expeditiously.” Two years after Lac-Mégantic Canadian government introduces new safety regulations In February 2015, the Government of Canada introduced the Safe and Accountable Rail Act. The new legislation details proposed amendments to federal railway legislation, including the Canada Transportation Act, aimed at strengthening the liability and compensation regime for federally-regulated railway companies transporting certain dangerous goods, including crude oil. The amendments establish minimum liability insurance levels for freight railway operations. The minimum liability insurance coverage is based on the type and volume of goods transported and ranges from $25,000,000 for transportation of minimal quantities of dangerous goods to $1,000,000,000 for transportation of large volumes of dangerous goods, including crude oil. Railway companies that do not maintain the applicable minimum liability insurance will be prohibited from operating and may be subject to a fine of up to $100,000. Oil companies shipping their product in railway cars, meanwhile, will now face a levy of $1.65 for every tonne of crude shipped, working out to roughly 23 cents per barrel. In spite of the derailments, oil-by-rail will be with us for the foreseeable future. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers reported in 2014 that insufficient railcar supply and rail loading facilities are the current constraints for Canadian oil producers to move their product. They report that a number of manifest and unit train loading facilities have been completed in Western Canada and more projects have been announced. In the longer term, as crude oil production from western Canada is expected to grow significantly, even with new pipeline projects in operation, rail transportation is poised to play a more significant role in the near term and rail will continue to offer a transportation alternative as producers seek to expand market access. 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JEDDAH 36 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 VOY CLOSING TOR/MTL SAILING HOUSTON SAILING BALTIMORE SAILING HALIFAX 7 8 5 30-Apr 20-May 12-June 10-May 31-May 23-June 24-May 11-June 02-July 28-May 15-June 06-July sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 37 Tankercars not the only problem: volatile oil now under scrutiny BY R. BRUCE STRIEGLER fter the 2013 derailment and explosion of an oil train that killed 47 people in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, many pointed to old, DOT-111 tanker models as a main reason for the disaster and others like it. But at least four of the five recent incidents have involved newer, and theoretically safer, CPC-1232 models. With tens of thousands of oil cars criss-crossing the continent, safety regulations and standards must be harmonized between Canada and the U.S., a process occurring with little notable sense of urgency on the U.S. side. Despite successive accidents across North America involving the DOT-111s, those railcars remained the oil-by-rail workhorse until February, 2014. It was more than a year after Lac-Mégantic that Canadian federal regulators required they be refitted as sturdier CPC-1232 tank cars. In March of 2015, Canada proposed new tankercar standards. The new standards call for a hull thickness of 9/16 inch, up from the current 7/16 inch or half inch, depending on car type. Older DOT-111 cars are being replaced in Canada by CPC-1232 cars, but even these will have to be phased out by 2023 or 2025, depending on whether they are jacketed or not under the proposed standards. Jacketed cars have an outer cover that provides additional thermal protection. Although they are deemed somewhat safer than the older DOT111 cars, nine CPC-1232 cars ruptured in CN’s recent northern Ontario derailments and fires. The robustness of tankercars has become a major focus of efforts to improve the safety of shipping crude by rail. In the U.S., shipments have soared from about 21,200 barrels per day (bpd) in 2009 to 1.04 million bpd at the end of 2014. As the U.S. shale boom gathered speed, the safety of crude shipments by rail has attracted greater scrutiny, especially after the derailment in Lac-Mégantic. So far in the U.S., speed limits have been adopted, and a new rule in North Dakota requires crude from the state to be treated to make it less combustible. Quoted in media reports, a spokesman for the Association of American Railroads, said the railroad-industry trade group “wants all tank cars carrying crude oil, including the CPC1232, to be upgraded by retrofitting or taken out of service. Railroads share the public’s deep concern regarding the safe movement of crude oil by rail.” A U.S. administration to bring in proposed regulations in May The public mood in the U.S. can be summed up in a March 7 press release from the U.S.-based Center for Biological Diversity. “Before one more derailment, fire, oil spill and one more life lost, we need a moratorium on oil trains, and we need it now”. The oil and railroad industries are playing Russian roulette with people’s lives and our environment, and the Obama administration needs to put a stop to it.” The organization points out that the Obama administration recently delayed for several months the approval of proposed safety rules for oil trains. The group adds, “The proposed rules fall short because they fail to require appropriate speed limitations, and it will be at least another two and a half years before the most dangerous tank cars are phased out of use for the most hazardous cargoes. The oil and railroad industries have lobbied for weaker rules on tank car safety and brake requirements.” The U.S. administration has also declined to set national regulations on the level of volatile gases in crude oil transported by rail, instead deciding to leave that regulation to the state of North Dakota, the major point of origin of the Bakken oil. By this May, the U.S. government is expected to finalize regulations that would increase the safety of moving hazardous materials by rail, including federal tank car standards and rail operating rules for trains carrying certain hazardous materials including crude oil and ethanol. Freight railroads support the federal standards for tank cars, and cars with increased shell thickness, jacket protection, thermal protection, full-height head shields, high-capacity pressure relief devices, as well as bottomoutlet handle protection and top-fittings protection. In the past, Alberta bitumen not considered as volatile as Bakken shale oil There are renewed calls for Alberta and Bakken crude producers to lower the volatility of their oil products before shipping by rail. With the newer CPC-1232 car involved in the latest derailments and fires, attention will again turn to tankercars. But safety advocates in the U.S. say the problem is not the containers but with the oil itself, prompting calls for the government to force railways to use stabilization towers, common in Texas, but not in Alberta or North Dakota, to remove the more volatile light-end products like propane and butane from the oil before shipping. In recent news reports, the Executive Director of the Crude Oil Quality Association, said the idea that Alberta crude was involved in the recent Ontario accidents, “certainly broadens our concerns” beyond the Bakkenproduced oil. He noted there are some in the industry who believed the problem of extremely volatile oil was unique to the Bakken formation, which straddles North Dakota, Montana, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Producers in the area will soon be required to take extra precautions to reduce oil volatility. Separately, CP Rail CEO Hunter Harrison has been quoted saying that the company would like the right to reject some dangerous goods on some routes. He cited concerns from the organization’s Board of Directors about the company’s liability and possible dangers to the public. Transport Canada, however, says it has no plans to change socalled “common carrier” laws that require railways to carry all legal goods. Critics call out regulators on volatility of both Alberta and North Dakota oil For years, Alberta bitumen has been considered less volatile and safer to transport than oil from North Dakota’s Bakken fields. (In its report on the Lac-Mégantic derailment, Canada’s Transportation Safety Board likened the volatility of Bakken oil to gasoline.) But the recent bitumen spills at Gogama should NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT Montreal Port Authority (MPA) MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon is pleased to announce the promotion of Sophie Roux, currently Director of Communications, to the position of Vice-President, Public Affairs. This promotion also heralds the creation of this new vice-presidency at the Port of Montreal. Sophie Roux has served the Montreal Port Authority for close to two years. A senior communications executive, she worked for many years in the Ottawa region, where she acquired extensive and varied experience in reputation and issues management, and in media, government and stakeholder relations. Sophie Roux, Vice-President, Public Affairs April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 37 sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 38 give federal regulators, shippers and carriers pause. The widely-held industry belief that Alberta crude is safer than Bakken oil appears wrong. On its own, bitumen is considered essentially non-flammable in a derailment. But to get the thick, tarry crude to flow in and out of tank cars, a diluent is added; that diluent renders the product highly volatile. Alberta Innovates, a consortium of industry, government and university researchers, recently found that diluted bitumen, known as “dilbit,” has a volatility similar to Bakken crude. Transport Canada should therefore ensure the testing and categorization of it as a higher-class dangerous product, similar to the Bakken oil process. There are hopes that Bakken crude can be treated to remove benzene and other “light end” substances before loading, rendering it mildly flammable instead of highly explosive. The same is not true for dilbit, because the highly volatile diluents are added to the crude to make it less viscous. A safer procedure is to heat bitumen at origin before loading into a tank car and again at destination, prior to unloading. Some tank cars are equipped with internal steam coils for this purpose and are used in crude oil service, but a requirement for such heating elements is not included in the specifications proposed for a future DOT-117 tank car to replace both the DOT-111 and CPC-1232 cars now in service. Why has it taken so long to get the old cars off the tracks? Transport Canada says 147,000 older DOT-111 tank cars are hauling flammable liquids on North American railways, and 80,000 of these were built before 2011. The new CPC-1232 cars had critics sounding alarms even before the tankercars were put into use in June, 2014. The TSB refused to endorse the cars, calling them “not sufficiently robust.” The TSB claimed the cars “performed similarly to those involved in the Lac-Mégantic accident” and urged the federal government to “go further than the 1232 standard.” Recent accidents involving the cars should raise alarms: both Gogama spills involved CPC-1232 cars. So did two others involving crude shipments in in West Virginia and Illinois in the last month. The rail industry, concerned that authorities in Canada and the U.S. are failing to recognize the failings of these tank cars, proposes a new design for oil shipments. These cars would have thicker steel shells, a release valve allowing pressure to be released in case of fire and full steel shields to protect in the event of a rollover where cars tend to rip each other apart. These tankers, designed by Oregon’s Greenbrier Companies, have been found to be twice as safe as the CPC-1232s and eight times less likely to spill in testing. The drop in oil prices has dampened orders for tank cars, and building replacements has been complicated by the length of time governments in Canada and the United States have taken to issue new rules. Washington is not expected to announce its standards and regulations until May, while tank-car makers have been building a model that matches the standards most recently proposed by Canada. Industry group Railway Supply Institute says companies that manufacture flammable goods tank cars in North America have an order backlog of 57,625, since crude shippers are scrambling to meet the bans on older cars. The handful of railcar manufacturers are adding capacity, and are expected to deliver about 40,000 new tankers this year, five thousand more than 2014. At a cost of more than $60,000 per car, they have upgraded almost 8,500 older tank cars. Tanker manufacturers refuse to talk about costs, but industry observers note that those with the newest standards will sell for around $200,000, up about 25 per cent over the older models. Sarah Feinberg, the acting U.S. Federal Railroad Administrator, said recently that improving the safety of crude transportation will require a multipronged approach. “This situation calls for an all-of-theabove approach—one that addresses the product itself, the tank car it is being carried in, and the way the train is being operated,” she said. Operations Manager 7HUPRQW 0RQWUpDO ,QF LV ORRNLQJ DW ÀOOLQJ WKH position of Operations Manager7KLVSRVLWLRQ provides input for effective local strategies for RSHUDWLQJWKHWHUPLQDODWRSWLPDOOHYHOVZLWKLQ operating opportunities and constraints. 5HSRUWLQJWRWKH*HQHUDO0DQDJHU\RXZLOOEH UHVSRQVLEOHIRUOHDGLQJWKHWHUPLQDORSHUDWLRQV DQGDWHDPLQWKHRSHUDWLRQVGHSDUWPHQW<RXU PDLQWDVNLVWRPDLQWDLQDQGFUHDWHVDIHZRUNLQJFRQGLWLRQVZKLOHHQVXULQJDQGPDLQWDLQLQJ DKLJKSURGXFWLYLW\DQGFRVWHIÀFLHQWRSHUDWLRQ <RXDUHDSURYHQPDQDJHUDQG\RXUOHDGHUVKLS DQGSODQQLQJVNLOOVVHWV\RXDSDUW7HDPVSLULW H[FHOOHQWMXGJPHQWPDQDJHULDOÁDLUTXLFNGHFLVLRQPDNLQJDUHTXDOLWLHVWKDWGHVFULEHV\RX ZHOO Your responsibilities will be to: (QIRUFHVDIHZRUNLQJSUDFWLFHV 3URYLGH HIIHFWLYH RUJDQL]DWLRQ DQG FRQtrol of all terminal operations during GHVLJQDWHGVKLIWSHULRGVLQRUGHUWRPHHW SODQQHGREMHFWLYHV &RRUGLQDWHWHUPLQDOSODQQLQJDQGRSHUDWLRQVWRHQVXUHHIIHFWLYHVKLSZRUNLQJSURgrams are set and maintained to ensure YHVVHOV PHHW VDLOLQJ RU EHUWKLQJ GHDGOLQHV 0DQDJH WKH GDLO\ RSHUDWLRQV DFFRUGLQJ 38 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 WRWKHDJUHHGRSHUDWLQJSULQFLSOHVRIWKH EXVLQHVVUHODWLRQVKLSVZLWKFXVWRPHUV PDQFHFULWHULD $ZLGHUDQJHRIEHQHÀWVLQFOXGLQJFRPpetitive group insurance and a pension SODQ $FRPSHWLWLYHVDODU\ 4XDOLÀFDWLRQV $ XQLYHUVLW\ GHJUHH SUHIHUDEO\ LQ PDULWLPHDQGSRUWORJLVWLFVRUSURFHVVLQGXVWULDO HQJLQHHULQJ RU D PDULQH TXDOLÀFDWLRQ 0LQLPXP\HDUVRIH[SHULHQFHLQRSHUDWLRQVPDQDJHPHQWUROHVLQDXQLRQL]HG HQYLURQPHQW ([SHULHQFH LQ WKH FRQWDLQHU VKLSSLQJ LQGXVWU\ZRXOGEHDQDVVHW ([SHULHQFHLQ\DUGSODQQLQJSURGXFWLYLW\ RSWLPL]DWLRQDQGFRVWFRQWURO ([WHQVLYH XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI PRGHUQ WHUPLQDORSHUDWLRQVLQFOXGLQJFRPSXWHUWHUPLQDOPDQDJHPHQWV\VWHPV *RRG FRPPXQLFDWLRQ VNLOOV ZLWK ÁXHQF\ LQ)UHQFKDQG(QJOLVKZULWWHQDQGRUDO (IIHFWLYH QHJRWLDWLRQ DQG FRQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQVNLOOV :HFDUHDERXW\RX $VDIHZRUNLQJHQYLURQPHQWLVRXUSULPDU\FRQFHUQ $VWLPXODWLQJZRUNHQYLURQPHQW $ ERQXV SODQ EDVHG RQ GLIIHUHQW SHUIRU- ,I\RXDUHUHDG\WRWDNHXSWKHFKDOOHQJH SOHDVHVHQG\RXUUHVXPHWR/\VD&LDUFLHOORDW WKH+XPDQ5HVRXUFHV'HSDUWPHQW Fax: (514) 843-5217 (PDLO\RXUFDUHHU#ORJLVWHFFRP ZZZORJLVWHFFRP ZZZWHUPRQWPWOFRP Termont Montréal Inc. is located at the Port of Montréal (QC) and operates two container terminals. Termont’s facility is equipped with specialized gantry cranes and intermodal terminal equipment with direct access to both CN and CP rail lines. With the use of modern equipment, computerized inventory control with EDI capabilities, and experienced personnel, Termont provides its customers with increased WXUQDURXQGDQGHIÀFLHQWVHUYLFHV We offer equal career opportunities to all applicants. sailings1061 2015-04-24 1:59 PM Page 39 Canada Post segment reports $194-million profit before tax in 2014 he Canada Post segment of Canada Post Group of Companies reported a profit before tax of $194 million in 2014 compared to a loss before tax of $125 million in 2013. Results exclude Canada Post’s three non-wholly owned principal subsidiaries, Purolator Holdings Ltd., SCI Group Inc. and Innovapost Inc. The results were mainly due to three factors that were consistent throughout much of the year – strong growth in the Parcels business, lower employee benefit costs and new pricing measures for Transaction Mail. T Mail, which includes mostly letters, bills and statements, fell by a further 5.2 per cent or 214 million pieces, compared to 2013. Compared to 2006, Domestic Lettermail volumes fell by 1.4 billion pieces, or 28 per cent. The tiered pricing structure contained in the Five-point Action Plan, introduced at the start of the second quarter, helped to offset the impact of this steep and continuing volume decline. As a result, Transaction Mail revenue rose by $238 million or 8 per cent compared to 2013. Parcels results Direct Marketing results With the increasing popularity of online shopping, the Corporation’s role as an essential enabler of e-commerce grew even stronger in 2014. Parcels revenue from the Canada Post segment’s top 25 e-commerce customers rose by almost 30 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013. In 2014, the Canada Post segment’s revenue from Domestic Parcels, the largest Parcels product category, surpassed $1 billion for the first time, rising by $85 million compared to 2013. Total Parcels revenue for the Canada Post segment increased by $120 million to more than $1.5 billion and volumes increased by seven million pieces compared to 2013, thanks in part to a very successful holiday season. In 2014, Direct Marketing contributed more than $1.2 billion in revenue to the Canada Post segment. Direct Marketing revenue in 2014 for the Canada Post segment fell by $37 million or 3 per cent and volumes decreased by 112 million pieces or 2.2 per cent compared to 2013. Transaction Mail results The greatest challenge to Canada Post’s financial sustainability is the continuing decline of Lettermail. In 2014, volumes of Transaction Employee benefit costs The Canada Post segment’s 2014 results were also helped by a $181 million non-cash reduction in employee benefit costs compared to 2013. This is a result of strong pension asset returns in 2013 and an increase in the discount rates used to calculate benefit plan costs in 2014. Pension costs remain highly volatile and are expected to increase in 2015. The Canada Post Group of Companies reported a profit before tax of $269 million in 2014 compared to a loss of $58 million in 2013. PROTOS SHIPPING LTD. located in Montreal currently has an opening for a: CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SALES & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE We have an immediate position available for a sales and marketing representative in our Mississauga office. You must be customer service oriented, well organized, have an outgoing personality, and be interested in working as part of a team of dedicated professionals. This position works with a focused and dynamic team, offering opportunities for professional and career growth for the right candidate. Requirements: Minimum 5 years experience in International Transportation & Logistics • Bilingual. Fluency in English is required • Advanced user of MS Office, capable of analyzing data with Excel • Experience in ship agency, freight forwarding, breakbulk and container requirements. Salary commensurate with experience, along with company benefits. This full-time position is available immediately. Applicants are requested to submit their CVs by email to: [email protected] The position requires a proven track record in the sales and marketing of NVOCC services to Forwarders with preference being given to individuals with such experience. You must have a good driving record and an automobile for which you will be compensated. We offer an excellent benefit and remuneration package commensurate with experience. If you are interested in working with us please email your resume in utmost confidentiality to: [email protected] Please note that only those candidates of particular interest to us will be contacted. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 39 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:58 PM Page 40 New CWB ship opens Seaway’s 57th navigational season he St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) marked the opening of the Seaway’s 57th navigation season on April 2, with the transit of newly-built CWB Marquis through the St. Lambert Lock. The vessel is the first of two Equinox-class lakers ordered by Winnipeg-based grain marketer CWB that are being purpose-built for trade in the St. Lawrence Seaway. In 2014, over 12 million tonnes of grain moved through the Seaway, the highest volume recorded since the beginning of the 21st century. “CWB’s recent investment in ships underlines the importance of the St. Lawrence Seaway to Canada’s agricultural industry. The Seaway serves as a vital transportation artery, enabling grain to be efficiently shipped both within North America and to more than 30 markets overseas” said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of SLSMC. “As agricultural technology boosts production and global demand for grain intensifies, there is great opportunity for the Seaway to be increasingly at the center of Canadian and U.S. efforts to broaden exports.” Ian White, President and CEO of CWB, served as the keynote speaker at the opening. “The future success of our company is dependent on reliable, cost- 40 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Photo: Chamber of Marine Commerce T Left to Right: Betty Sutton, Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Captain Seann O’Donoughue; Chief Engineer David Michalowicz; Terence Bowles, CEO, The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. effective transportation networks going East, as well as West. Our new vessels, along with our terminals in Thunder Bay and Trois-Rivières, will allow us to reach our customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa quickly and, at the same time, get the best returns for farmers.” CWB Marquis, which will be managed by Canadian shipping company Algoma Central Corporation, is part of a $4 billion fleet renewal program being undertaken by various Great Lakes / Seaway System carriers over a span of 10 years (2009-2018). In terms of infrastructure support, SLSMC is in the midst of a five-year plan which commits almost $500 million to modernizing its locks and structures. Likewise, the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is spending $99 million to renew its asset base over a comparable timeframe. “The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System provides global access to the heartland of North America, where opportunities abound,” said U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Administrator Betty Sutton. “Through a new Regional Outreach Initiative, we are working to expand our reach and role across the Great Lakes region, North America’s ‘Opportunity Belt’. Helping our cities, states, and provinces in the Great Lakes region realize further eco- nomic growth and productivity via our binational waterway is the overarching point. Additionally, the significant financial investments we are making in infrastructure and new technologies through our Asset Renewal Program are enabling the entire Great Lakes Seaway System to realize increased safety and efficiencies.” Ken Lerner, Lafarge’s Purchasing Manager for Eastern Canada, echoed the upbeat sentiment as he outlined how Seaway-sized vessels enable Lafarge to cost-effectively take delivery of raw materials used in the production of cement. “The St. Lawrence Seaway enables Lafarge to maintain a highly efficient logistics chain” said Lerner at the opening ceremony. In terms of the cargo volume outlook for 2015, Terence Bowles noted that he hopes to see a repeat of the strong results in 2014, when the Seaway recorded 40 million tonnes of cargo. “Tonnage forecasts are always difficult, especially with continued volatility in the global economy. The Seaway, as part of the larger Great Lakes / Seaway system, is a reliable transportation route with the capacity to move substantially more cargo to and from destinations throughout the world”, said Bowles. sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 41 CWB Marquis the first vessel to officially pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2015 nder the leadership of Captain Seann O’Donoughue and Chief Engineer David Michalowicz, MV CWB Marquis was the first vessel to officially sail through the St. Lambert locks to inaugurate the Seaway’s 2015 shipping season. Captain O’Donoughue has worked for Algoma in different capacities since 1997 and has been in the capacity of Master since 2007. Captain O’Donoughue hails from Owen Sound, Ontario. Chief Engineer Michalowicz returned to Algoma in 2013 and is a resident of Fonthill, Ontario. Both were onboard during the vessel’s maiden voyage to Canada. CWB Marquis is the third in a series of innovative, efficient and environmentallypreferred new Equinox Class ships to arrive in Canada. This state-of-the-art new vessel represents the next generation of Great Lakes bulk carriers. Developed by Algoma, together with a team of world class designers, naval architects and engineers, Equinox Class balances hull form, power and speed with cargo-carrying capability for optimal performance and environmental efficiency. The Equinox Class series will include four gearless bulk carriers and four self-unloaders. CWB Marquis is the first of two Equinox Class vessels delivered to CWB. CWB Marquis and CWB Strongfield, scheduled to arrive later this year, are owned by CWB, but are part of the Algoma Bulker Pool, which Algoma operates and manages. Marquis is named after the historic wheat variety that was bred specifically for the short Canadian growing season. Its consistent wheat quality and yield set the stage for Canada to become a first-class wheat exporter. The new ships are 45 per cent more efficient than their predecessors. Importantly, the modern Tier II electronically controlled engine will reduce air emissions by 45 per cent. Each Equinox Class ship includes a fully integrated, IMO approved, closed loop exhaust gas scrubber system to remove 97 per cent of all sulphur oxides from shipboard emissions. The Equinox Class is the first class of Great Lakes commercial vessels to be built with integrated exhaust gas scrubbers. CWB Marquis was built by Nantong Mingde Heavy Industries, in China. The ship completed a 14,700 nautical mile, 61 day voyage from China to Canada when it arrived at Port Cartier, Quebec on January 1, 2015 to load 28,421MT of iron ore destined for ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton. CWB Marquis is 225.55 metres (740’) long, with a beam of 23.77 metres (78’) and Photo: Chamber of Marine Commerce U Wayne Smith (left), Senior Vice-President, Commercial, Algoma Central Corporation, and Ian White, President and CEO, CWB. a depth of 14.7 metres {48’ 3”). The vessel has a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 23,895 and has 5 cargo holds. It carries approximately 29,800 metric tonnes of cargo at the maximum Seaway draft of 8.08 metres (26’6”). CWB Marquis is equipped with an approved, state of the art, Draft Information System (DIS) which utilizes upto-date charts containing high resolution bathymetric data that allows the vessel to increase its maximum operating draft by up to 7 cm in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Service from A to ZIM FIXED-DAY WEEKLY SAILINGS Services & Global Destinations VIA HALIFAX ZCA Service Canadian Offices MONTREAL Tel 514-875-2335 Fax 514-875-2746 TORONTO Tel 416-703-7301 Fax 416-703-7310 HALIFAX Tel 902-422-7447 Fax 902-429-1515 VANCOUVER Tel 604-693-2335 Fax 604-693-0094 MEDITERRANEAN/AFRICA/INDIAN SUBCONTINENT Tarragona – Ashdod – Haifa – Piraeus – Genoa – Tarragona ZCP Service FAR EAST/CARIBBEAN/SOUTH AMERICA Kingston – Vostochny – Qingdao – Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan SAS Service FAR EAST Laem Chabang – Singapore – Colombo VIA VANCOUVER FAR EAST/INDIAN SUBCONTINENT NP1 Service Pusan – Kaohsiung – Singapore – Laem Chabang – Shenzhen (Da Chan Bay) – Hong Kong – Yantian NP2 Service Yokohama – Pusan – Kwangyang – Hong Kong – Yantian – Kaohsiung – Shanghai – Pusan NP3 Service Tokyo – Nagoya-Aichi – Kobe – Qingdoa – Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 41 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 42 2015 GREENTECH E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N F E R E N C E SEATTLE USA MAY 27, 28 & 29 INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION www.green-marine.org/greentech A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSORS 42 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:28 PM Page 43 Federal government moves to privatize CWB or the first time in decades Western Canada is going to have a new major competitor in the grain industry with the announcement of the investment by G3 Global Grain Group (G3) in CWB. G3 Global Grain Group (G3), a newly established agribusiness joint venture between Bunge Canada and SALIC Canada Limited, has been named the successful investor in CWB. SALIC Canada Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bunge Canada is an integrated food and feed ingredient company. At the highest level, G3 seeks to unlock the potential value of agricultural products across Canada by establishing a highly efficient coast-tocoast grain enterprise. The investment of C$250 million (subject to certain closing conditions and adjustments) will result in G3 acquiring a majority ownership interest of 50.1 per cent in CWB, with the remaining stake of 49.9 per cent to be held in trust for the benefit of farmers and administered through the Farmer Equity Plan announced by CWB in 2013, with G3 having an option to buy them out after seven years. “G3’s significant investment in CWB together with the Farmer Equity Plan will create a major new competitor by facilitating the continued expansion of our grain handling network,” said CWB President and CEO Ian White. “Creating value for farmers will continue to be at the core of CWB and this plan offers them a unique opportunity to have equity, at no cost to them, in an international grain company.” The transaction is expected to close in July 2015. CWB, previously known as Canadian Wheat Board until the federal government removed its western grain monopoly in 2012, is a grain handling and trading company that operates a network of seven grain elevators in Western Canada and port terminals in Thunder Bay, Ontario and Trois Rivieres, Quebec. CWB is building four additional state-of-the-art grain handling facilities in Bloom and St. Adolphe, Manitoba, and Colonsay and Pasqua, Saskatchewan. Bunge’s export terminal in Quebec City as well as four elevators in Quebec will be part of the transaction. Ian White will continue with CWB until closing and for a F period of time thereafter to ensure a successful transition period. CWB’s Board has not yet been confirmed but will consist of seven directors including a representative of the Farmers Trust. “It is a dynamic time for Canadian agriculture. As global demand for agri-products grows, consumers continue to demand the high quality grain produced by our Canadian farmers,” says Karl Gerrand, CEO, G3. “Our vision is to establish a highly efficient coast-to-coast Canadian grain enterprise that provides stronger market access solutions for growers and delivers value to our stakeholders and the Canadian agriculture industry as a whole. We welcome the CWB team and farmer equity owners, and look forward to working together to build a new and dynamic company.” “Bunge’s relationship with Canadian farmers extends nearly 50 years through our grain operations in Eastern Canada and our oilseed processing facilities throughout the country,” said Todd Bastean, CEO, Bunge North America. “The investment in G3 and CWB complements our existing Canadian footprint and strengthens our origination and export capabilities in one of the world’s premier growing regions.” “Canada is poised to play an increasing role in providing food to a growing world population and in capturing a larger share of the international market demand,” says Abdullah Al-Rubaian, Chairman, SALIC. “SALIC is committed to infrastructure investment in countries such as Canada, which are exporters of surplus supplies of high quality grain. The launch of G3 will enable us to invest in infrastructure across Canada, providing more market choices for Canadian producers. We are committed to G3’s growth strategy and are excited to work with Bunge, CWB, and the Canadian farming community.” Canada shipped 378,000 tonnes of wheat to Saudi Arabia in 2013/14, and 126,500 tonnes of barley, representing just over 10 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s (3.4 million tonnes of) annual wheat imports and only 1.5 per cent of its (9 million tonnes of) annual barley imports. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have invested heavily in overseas agricultural projects during the past few years. Lake Carriers’ Association reports Lakes ore trade off to slowest start in five years hipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled an anemic 800,000 tonnes in March, the lowest level for the month since 2010. The March ore float was also nearly 60 per cent below the month’s 5-year average. Included in the number are shipments from Canadian Seaway ports during the month of 264,044 tonnes, which all originated from Port Cartier, Quebec. Shipments of coal, limestone and cement during the month were down considerably from levels seen during the past few years, although they showed an increase compared to 2014 levels. Heavy ice and lack of icebreaking resources on both sides of the border were the culprits. “The winter of 2014/2015 was again brutal,” said James H.I. Weak- S ley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association. “The ice formations were so formidable that a number of LCA’s members chose to delay getting underway rather than risk a repeat of last spring when ice caused more than $6 million in damage to the vessels. Compounding the problem is that both U.S. and Canadian icebreakers have experienced a number of mechanical issues. Mackinaw, the U.S. Coast Guard’s most powerful icebreaker, is operating at less than full power. Other icebreakers have suffered casualties that have taken them out of service for various periods of time.” Weakley noted that with foreign steel imports again reducing operating rates at American mills to perilous levels, it is even more critical that raw materials move as efficiently as possible. “Right now American steel mills need every competitive advantage they can get. A slow start to resupplying the mills after the winter closure is a worry the industry could do without. This is just another clear indication that the Lakes need, at a minimum, another heavy icebreaker to pair with Mackinaw, and another 140foot-long icebreaking tug to cover for the one that has been sent to the Coast Guard yard in Baltimore for service life extension.” Weakley also called on Canada to review its icebreaking resources dedicated to the Lakes. The country used to have seven icebreakers stationed on the Lakes, but now just two are permanently assigned here. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 43 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 44 CSL’s Paterson has modest expectations for 2015 BY BRIAN DUNN he St. Lawrence Seaway is starting another season which saw almost 40 million tonnes of cargo move through the system last year. That figure will be tough to top this year, according to Allister Paterson, President, Canada Steamship Lines. “It will go down, we think, but at the start of last year we didn’t think it would be that good either. Sometimes it’s wait and see.” Mr. Paterson made the remarks during a tour of the 225.5metre-long CSL St-Laurent, the latest addition to its fleet and the last vessel delivered as part of an ambitious rebuild program launched in 2010. “We started out with 17 vessels (sailing through the Seaway) last year. We thought that would be all we needed, but we ended up with 20 or 21. This year we’re starting with 17 again, but I don’t think we’re going to get 20 or 21 out. This year looks softer.” The CSL head attributed the anticipated drop to a decline in commodity prices, particularly iron ore and coal where other countries such as Australia and Brazil are more competitive than Canada, he noted. “Grain had a great year last year and this year it looks okay. There was some holdover from last year, so April and May were quite busy, so it looks like it’s going to be an average year for grain. The other strong commodity is road salt. Because of the tough winter we’ve had, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast, supplies are well down, so we’ll be moving a lot of salt again this year.” CSL St-Laurent and CSL Welland are the company’s two new Trillium Class bulk carriers. They join four new Trillium Class selfunloaders and are part of the newbuild program that produced a T AIR & LCL OCEAN TO THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA DIRECT WEEKLY SAILINGS CARGO NAVIGATORS Tel.: (905) 405-0808 • Fax: (905) 405-0202 Email: [email protected] (L to R) Allister Paterson, President, Canada Steamship Lines; Richard Samson, Captain of CSL St-Laurent; and Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO, Montreal Port Authority. total of 11 bulk carriers and self-unloaders for CSL’s Canadian and American fleets in the last three years. The 36,364 deadweight tonnes St-Laurent and 36,100 DWT Welland are Seawaymax gearless bulkers that feature IMO Tier II compliant main engines that are 15 per cent more fuel efficient than CSL’s previous class of ships and will save about 750 tonnes of fuel per year, reducing yearly carbon emissions by 2,400 tonnes. At current fuel prices, CSL could save up to $2.5 million a year from the 11 new vessels, said Mr. Paterson. The company may sell some of its older ships for scrap, he added. “They are expensive to operate and we could get about $3 million per vessel, depending on steel prices.” St-Laurent and Welland will primarily carry agricultural commodities from the Great Lakes to ports along the St. Lawrence River, including Montreal and Quebec City. Each bulker will carry between 300,000 and 500,000 tonnes of grain annually. On her first voyage, St-Laurent travelled to Quebec City to discharge stone ballast loaded in China where she was built at the Yangfan shipyard. She then headed to Thunder Bay to load grain. Dry bulk accounted for 28 per cent (or 8.4 million tonnes) of the commodities loaded and unloaded at the port of Montreal last year, an increase of 50 per cent since 2010, according to port statistics. Guy Tombs Limited Experienced Project Forwarders and Shipbrokers • Innovative project and heavy equipment forwarding • International door-to-door services in all modes of transport UL>«>ÀÌiÀÃÛiÀxäävwViã£ä + countries Ìi°\x£{°nÈÈ°ÓäÇ£ ÌvÀii\nää°xÈ£°xx{£ e-mail: [email protected] www.guytombs.com 44 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Since 1921 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 45 OPINION BC on the Move Road Map aims at improving productivity in B.C.’s road transportation industry BY LOUISE YAKO hen the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) released the BC on the Move 10year transportation plan on March 18, the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) was glad to see not only plans for infrastructure improvements, but also the more important message that BC’s economy depends on a safe, reliable and efficient transportation network. The trucking industry accounts for 2 per cent of BC’s GDP, employs about 40,000 people, and is larger than other major industries, including forestry, pulp and paper, and oil and gas. There is tacit acknowledgement of the importance of our industry to BC’s economy in the 10year plan, which embeds a trucking strategy. As we face increasing globalization, the cornerstone of Canada’s economic wellbeing will continue to be an efficient and competitive transportation network. That’s why following joint federal-provincial projects to widen Highway 1 in the Lower Mainland, construct the South Fraser Perimeter Road and replace the Port Mann Bridge, Transport Canada has undertaken an early review of federal transport-related acts and regulations with a view to ensuring Canada’s transportation competitiveness for the next 40 years. The top four BC on the Move priorities involve road infrastructure. That’s because trucks not only deliver 90 per cent of consumer products and foodstuffs to communities across BC, they are also the necessary link with other transportation modes, including cargo ships arriving at Port Metro Vancouver, railways, and air cargo terminals. And, in 2013, trucks transported 72 per cent of imports and 44 per cent of exports (by value) between the U.S. and Canada. So BC on the Move has it right. Road capacity and conditions are crucial not only to the trucking industry but to the rest of us who need the goods it delivers. W Long-distance trucking will particularly benefit from plans to reduce congestion and improve highway reliability, such as six-laning Highway 97 through Kelowna and improvements to avalanche infrastructure on Highway 1. Anyone who’s had to find a place to stay in Revelstoke or Golden due to an avalanche-related highway closure will have noticed the number of heavy trucks held up and waiting. It is a necessary safety requirement to reduce avalanche risk, but it`s also a time-consuming and expensive inconvenience for trucking companies and their clients. In addition, growth in the resource sector, especially in Northeastern BC, requires the transport of very large and heavy specialized equipment and materials needed to build dams and natural gas facilities and install pipelines. There are trucking companies that specialize in this type of service – even to the point of designing purpose-built trailers to carry individual items efficiently and safely. Getting that equipment where it needs to go requires forethought and planning for loads that are higher, wider and/or longer than standard limits. BC on the Move commits to addressing infrastructure challenges and streamlining the permit process for oversized loads, making things easier for the trucking companies involved and the projects they’re supporting. Here again, what benefits trucking benefits the economy as well. Finally, and although I mention this last, it’s by no means least important to the industry: the highway network and the municipal road system is the workplace of commercial vehicle operators. In many instances, there are insufficient places for truck operators to take a break, eat or use washroom facilities, even in our cities and larger communities. The ease and comfort in which truck operators are able to carry out their tasks and meet requirements to rest, check equipment, or complete administrative duties is one of the reasons that LOUISE YAKO may discourage new recruits from entering the industry. Both young people and career-switchers are staying away from the occupation in droves, with a projected shortage of 2,200 to 4,500 drivers in BC by 2020. More and better rest areas for drivers is a long-time BCTA policy, and BC on the Move recognizes this priority with plans for at least two new truck parking areas in the Lower Mainland and a commitment to identify locations for more, including parking and chain-up/chain-off areas on key highways and partnerships for new commercial truck stops and facilities. It’s a positive development to see the needs of commercial vehicle operators captured in a public 10-year transportation plan covering the whole province. BCTA is looking forward to seeing these and other priority actions from the BC on the Move road map implemented – to the benefit of the trucking industry and all British Columbians. Louise Yako is President & CEO, British Columbia Trucking Association CORRECTION: An article in the March 30 issue of Canadian Sailings (“Canada’s lumber exports rising as U.S. housing starts recover”) stated with respect to the Softwood Lumber Agreement that “Should the parties not renew the agreement or fail to forge a new one, the terms of the existing agreement will extend for another year.” In fact, if the agreement should not have been renewed or replaced, the United States has committed to not launch a trade action against Canada for twelve months following the expiry of the existing agreement. However, the existing agreement would have expired, meaning that there are no trade restrictions on Canadian lumber exports to the U.S. as of October 12, 2015. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 45 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:49 PM Page 46 Agility Fuel Systems to supply UPS with CNG fuel systems for 445 trucks .S.-based Agility Fuel Systems, a designer and producer of natural gas fuel storage and delivery systems for heavy duty trucks and buses, announced that UPS has ordered 445 of its new 160 DGE Behind-the-Cab CNG fuel systems for delivery in 2015. UPS has led the industry in the adoption of natural gas in heavy duty on-road trucking and with this new order, will be operating almost 1,600 heavy duty trucks equipped with CNG or LNG fuel systems supplied by Agility. These trucks, once fully deployed, are projected to run more than 230 million miles annually and are expected to achieve up-time results that are comparable to diesel trucks. Agility’s 160 DGE design weighs 500 lbs. less than the previous model. The improvements to the system come from the Agility Hexagon joint venture’s first new product: a new higher capacity and lighter cylinder design. The latest system continues to deliver the most efficient package of any CNG system in the industry and utilizes four of the newly designed carbon fiber cylinders, for a total weight of only 2050 pounds, and requiring only 31 1/4” of valuable frame rail space. Depending on the application, the system can deliver a driving range of almost 1,000 kilometres before refueling. In addition to its already outstanding capacity as a stand-alone system, it can be packaged with side-mounted systems to provide an operating range in excess of 1,700 kilometres. In February, Agility Fuel Systems and Clean Energy Fuels, a leading provider of natural gas fuel for the transportation industry 46 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Photo: Agility Fuel Systems U in North America, announced a joint CNG fuel system sales program to reduce the incremental cost of heavy-duty natural gas trucks. Under the program, Agility and Clean Energy will work with trucking customers and offer CNG fuel systems installed at a substantially reduced cost when there is a natural gas fueling agreement. Agility Fuel Systems is a privately owned company that is not affiliated with Agility Logistics. sailings1061 4/24/15 6:29 PM Page 47 EDC: British Columbia’s ‘Secret’ BY PETER G HALL, VICE-PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ECONOMIST lunging commodity prices and a falling Canadian dollar have turned the tables on provincial growth projections. Oil-producing provinces are in turmoil, absorbing the ongoing impact of project deferrals, cancellations, layoffs and revised oil and gas production intentions. But the lower dollar has nonenergy manufacturers anticipating a bonanza. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and others are foreseeing a long-awaited resurgence of higher-value-added exports, and hoping that investment will respond. Both are quite likely, but one province already seems to be there. What’s British Columbia’s secret? The sea change in the growth landscape is well-illustrated by the shift in fiscal fortunes. Oil-producing provinces are already counting the carnage, with Alberta clearly suffering the worst reversal of the bunch. Its projected surplus has turned into a deep deficit, barring counter-balancing measures that in the short-run would magnify the economic misery. The story is similar for the other significant oil-and-gas-producing regions. Among the remaining provinces, those expecting a rapid reversal into the black will have to wait for the expected upsurge in exports. Currently, it is British Columbia that stands almost entirely alone with a projected surplus in the current fiscal year. Obviously, fiscal outcomes are not normally a cause but a consequence of a number of factors. Solid fiscal management is critical, but not sufficient to guarantee a positive bottom line. The economy needs to cooperate, and in BC’s case, it certainly has. From a hot housing market to a consistently strong employment picture to very respectable gains in business investment, BC has posted very impressive numbers in the past few years. There is concern that things may have been too hot, and that the domestic economy is in for harder times. This is true across Canada, as the consumer debt-to-income ratio has continued to grow. Housing construction has continued well in excess of demographic demand for a number of years, especially in the Vancouver market. The prosperous years have clearly been key to British Columbia’s favourable fiscal situation – but will it last? In tandem with the progress in the province’s domestic sector has been a radical shift in its trade flows. It has always been among the more trade-diversified provinces in the country, both in terms of the goods it ships and the markets it ships to. Even so, this position has increased – dramatically. Between 2000 and 2013, no province increased its trade with emerging markets P more than British Columbia. Over that time, emerging market exports grew from 8.2 per cent of total merchandise exports to 30 per cent – vaulting to top spot among the provinces. BC’s geographic location is clearly an advantage, as trade diversification was underway before the global crisis of 2008-09, but the crisis itself was likely additional motivation. The forestry sector is a key example. Sawmill products, in 2014 the largest single export category, shipped 1.6 per cent of its output to emerging markets in 2000. Now, the share is 28 per cent. Not to be outdone, pulp shipments – already diversified in 2000 with 22 per cent of shipments headed to emerging markets – now ships almost 72 per cent of its product there. Logging has seen a radical increase in its share, from 1 per cent to 53 per cent. Paper has increased more marginally, from a share of 18 per cent in 2000 to 27 per cent now. But it’s more than just the forestry sector. Thirteen per cent of coal shipments used to go to emerging markets. Now, the number is 43 per cent. Base metals are volatile, riding the ups and downs of pricing, but the share has risen over the same timeframe by 8 percentage points. The list goes on, but as stated, these products form the bulk of the top ten shipments by industry to the world as a whole. Clearly, BC is set to benefit from the resurgence of the U.S. economy, but for the future, as Canada’s growth rotates to the export side of the national accounts, BC is wellplaced, thanks to increasing diversification, to capitalize as global growth becomes more widespread. The bottom line? British Columbia’s current record stands apart from the rest of the provinces, and among other things, the attention it has paid to trade diversification seems set to continue paying dividends for years to come. This commentary is reprinted courtesy of EDC. It is presented for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or detailed statement on any subject and no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made as to its accuracy, timeliness or completeness. Nothing in this commentary is intended to provide financial, legal, accounting or tax advice nor should it be relied upon. Neither EDC nor the author is liable whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by, or resulting from, any use of or any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the information provided. Société des traversiers du Quebec receives first of three LNG-powered ferries ociété des traversiers du Quebec (STQ) has received the first of three LNG-powered ferries. Built in Italy by Fincantieri S.A., F.A. Gauthier will be the first of its kind to enter service in North America this spring. The ferry will be capable of transporting 800 passengers and 180 cars, and will replace Camille Marcoux on STQ’s Matane-Baie Comeau-Godbout service. The vessel is equipped with an inte- S grated diesel-electric propulsion, which operates on four dual-fuel power generators capable of running on LNG or diesel fuel. Operating on LNG, the vessel will achieve significant reductions in CO2 emissions, and will reduce sulfur and particle emissions to negligible levels. The $148 million vessel was ordered by STQ in July of 2012, following a public tendering process that commenced in January of 2012. The vessel constructed by Fincantieri is expected to be joined during the fall by two more dual fuel ferries which are being built by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. The latter two, to be christened Jos-Deschenes II and Armand-Imbeau II are slated to operate on the Tadoussac-Baie Sainte Catherine route. They will be replacing ArmandImbeau and Jos-Deschênes, which have serviced the crossing since early 1980. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 47 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 48 EDC says worlds’ second most populous nation holds significant potential for Canadian business “Since 2004 the Indian market has been expanding exponentially,” says Raj Narula, Canadian entrepreneur. “I believe the reason was the introduction of wireless service for everyone. At that time, Reliance Communications introduced a handset for less than $10.” Although the hardware was inexpensive, the cost of voice calls was prohibitive and the market adapted by turning to texting instead. “This created a 50 to 1 cost reduction and was what I call a turning moment for India, as people connected to people. These small things are very important to Canadian business looking to enter new markets, understanding how to navigate on the ground, what the local business practices are and how to adapt to those conditions. One can become quite agile if you are using the right communication methodology in India.” India is the world’s second most populous county behind China, with a population of over 1.2 billion people, the equivalent of 17.5 per cent of the total world population. With a GDP above five per cent for the last ten years, India is the world’s eighth largest economy. Data from the International Monetary Fund projected that India’s GDP would hit 2.3 trillion dollars (U.S.) in 2014. Remarkably, with a few exceptions, Bombardier in transit, SNC-Lavalin in roads and energy, Magna in auto parts, McCain in frozen foods and Sun Life in insurance, Canadian companies have a modest presence on the Indian scene. In a recent web presentation, Economic Development Canada (EDC) provided an overview of the Indian market. Guest presenter Raj Narula, son of an Indian diplomat, grew up all over the world but did his high school in Canada. Mr. Narula was an early cofounder and president of TaraSpan, a high-tech communications company with offices in both Canada and India. He describes his first significant foray into India, “I was involved with strategic consulting, and helping companies navigate entry into new markets, and had been successful in turning around a number of Ottawa software companies. In doing so, I took one business to India, which was ultimately acquired by an Indian software company.” He says the experience taught him how to navigate and understand the market. For the past 12 years, and speaking multiple languages, Mr. Narula has divided his time between North America, India and the Asia Pacific region. Doing business in India requires an adjusting of attitudes He adds that another area that western 48 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Mumbai, India business finds unfamiliar involves setting up meetings. “It’s a challenge, since a lot of the time meetings are not arranged well in advance. People’s schedules are so dynamic in India that getting a meeting becomes a challenge. However, the good part is that I’ve never gone to India and had less than 30 meetings in a week. In essence, the system always works, but it can seem that everyone is scrambling.” Narula says that pretty well all segments of the Indian market offer Canadian companies potential. “From infrastructure development, a key priority, to a large demand for goods and services that fall within the automotive, healthcare, information and communication technology, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.” He says, “There are so many products and processes that Canadian companies have mastered.” Just consider infrastructure, “India is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in upgrading its primitive transportation network and we have some of the best know-how in building roads, bridges and highways.” Mr. Narula points out that the country has 800 million telephone subscribers, “We’re talking a half million towers across the country with plans for as many more over the next five to seven years. When you begin to look at requirements in the country, they are limitless. As a Canadian company you must focus and target the market you’re going after, know your product and its applicability to that market.” He continues by saying that companies must understand their price point, need to appreciate the support levels they’ll require in-country, have good quality agents or partners and representatives in India. Narula says it is critical to make sure the management teams both in Canada and India are on the same page. “The management team here in Canada has to understand what they are dealing with on the other side. It can actually impact budgets, personnel and resources. If you’re actively pursuing that market, you need to really be prepared and understand these realities.” Size and scale of India can be overwhelming Set apart from the rest of Asia by the continental wall of the Himalayas, the Indian subcontinent is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west and the India Ocean on the south. With a total land mass of 2,973,190 square kilometres (Compared to the 9,984,670 square kilometres of Canada), the English language is the major language of trade and politics, but there are fourteen official languages in all. There are twenty-four languages that are spoken by a million people or more, and countless other dialects. India has seven major religions and many minor ones, six main ethnic groups, and countless holidays. EDC webinar panelist Kevin Loiselle President, CEO of Clearford Industries Inc. says, “One of the best ways I’ve heard to describe India is really more like a European Common Union, a collection of 36 states and territories form the country, and the differences between the states are comparable to Photo: Sören Kohse BY R. BRUCE STRIEGLER sailings1061 4/24/15 6:30 PM Page 49 the differences between, say, Germany and France. India really is a series of micro cultures within each of these states, and the differences have to be addressed.” In January 2015, Clearford Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian state of Gujarat’s Water Supply and Sewage Board, to create a strategic partnership and bring Clearford’s proprietary all-in-one wastewater collection and treatment system to rural regions of the State of Gujarat. Mr. Loiselle adds that the size of India affects everything. “When you address the government, it and the bureaucracy is incredibly large. The size of the market is incredibly large, the companies you deal with are large.” He says that for most Canadians, everything is on a much bigger scale than in Canada. “The size of the airports, everything is on such a large scale that it requires a different approach than doing business in Canada. One of the differences you will notice first is how absolutely polite Indians are, from coast to coast. Their culture is one of not putting people in awkward positions. In fact, I’d say, they have difficulty saying no, even when they mean no. You may find yourself in discussions with people and misinterpreting the signals that they are sending.” Canadian support for business at home and in-country is available Raj Narula interjects, adding, “We’ve all experienced this in India, and it is a challenge. You don’t know if you’ve closed the sale or not, you’re thinking you’re heading in the right direction and all the signals are great, but deep down in those signals they are also saying, ‘We’re not ready to buy yet’.” Narula notes that other notable differences involve mobile phones, “In North America we may be reluctant to share those numbers due to our ‘nine-to-five’ work practices. When we go to India its 24-7, the only way to connect with business people is through mobile phones.” When asked by the webinar moderator about price sensitivity or differences between Indian customers and Canadians, Kevin Loiselle says, “I think that people are price sensitive everywhere, and never more so than in India. I find price is a very important determinate and usually the capital costs are an especially important factor, while operating costs over a long period, less so.” He adds that competition is substantial, “There are a lot of companies from around the world out there, many are prepared to undercut their prices to get market share.” Mr. Narula notes that one of the biggest challenges for Canadian companies entering the Indian market is the much smaller Canadian footprint, thus supporting these initiatives in foreign markets tends to be a little more difficult. “You’ve got to be able to innovate when it comes to how you’re going to pitch yourself, how you’re going to support yourself.” He says that it is important to utilize the support services available in Canada and in-country, such as federal and provincial trade representatives and federal agencies such as EDC. Kevin Loiselle adds, “As Canadian companies, we shouldn’t be afraid to step out and ask for whatever assistance we may need and access those services. I’m not sure that people who are looking at entering foreign markets are aware of how much aid is waiting for them, already paid for by their tax dollars. I think they would be astounded by the level of support and quick action by these very smart people on the ground in India.” He also says that while Canadians are seen as highly technological, “We’re also seen as a country that is not especially aggressive when it comes to marketing ourselves and our products. “We’re less aggressive than most every other country, so much so, it is almost seen as a flaw.” He is most emphatic, after five years of experience with his own company’s entry to the Indian market, that it is critical to have someone who has relationships and understanding of the marketplace, who can make the kind of introductions you need.” Loiselle explains that India is not really a transactional based economy, it is a relationship-based one. He continues noting that it is unlikely one will do business in India without establishing those relationships, which will not come from simply a dinner at the Mumbai golf club. “You need to work that relationship, you need to have boots on the ground, showing you have made a commitment to India and have the resources, staff and relationships with people who live in India.” Loiselle says one of the biggest mistakes Canadian companies can make involves not ensuring senior executives are in-country on a regular basis. “Flying over once, and trying to do business by Skype will not work.” Narula concurred with Loiselle, “It is important to be in front of people on a regular basis, it does advance your business and one might be surprised that once you succeed with your first business transactions, the dominoes will fall quickly.” Hamburg Süd most reliable line in February ccording to market intelligence provider SeaIntel’s latest Global Liner Performance report, global schedule reliability improved by nearly 5 percentage points from January to February. On-time performance increased to 72.2 per cent in February (based on 9,931 vessel arrivals.) Data shows that container delivery increased to 54.2 per cent in February from 49.1 per cent in January, based on 2.8 million container arrivals. In February, Hamburg Süd was the most reliable carrier with an on-time performance of 86.2 per cent. The German carrier was followed by CSAV and Maersk Line with a recorded on-time performance of 84.4 per cent and 83.4 per cent, respectively. The CKYHE-members – COSCO, “K” Line and Yang Ming – were ranked at the bottom of the list. “The improvement in global schedule reliability was clearly reflected among the Top 20 carriers as 19 carriers recorded an increase in performance from January to February, with “K” Line being the only exception. For the first time since February 2014, Hamburg Süd is back on the top spot, although this does not come as a significant surprise, as this has been the case for the German carrier in February of the past two years.” said Mr. Morten Berg Thomsen, shipping analyst at SeaIntel. Mr. Berg Thomsen added: “The most important incident taking place in February was the agreement that was reached between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International A Global Top 20 carrier ranking – February 2015 Source: SeaIntel – Global Liner Performance Report – March 2015 Longshore and Warehouse Union, so the situation at the U.S. West Coast can return back to normal, although it will take some months.” April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 49 sailings1061 4/24/15 6:32 PM Page 50 OPINION Air Canada AC624: Questions arising from the March 28 landing at YHZ K. JOSEPH SPEARS he recent crash of an Air Canada A320 Airbus on final approach to Runway 05 at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) has called into question airport emergency response capabilities at the airport, and the larger issue of provision of aids to navigation to strengthen aviation safety. On the day of the incident, March 28, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada was celebrating its 25th anniversary. It was created soon after the 1985 crash of an Arrow Air DC-8 in Gander, Newfoundland, that resulted in the death of 248 U.S. Army soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. Questions need to be asked about emergency services at this airport that go beyond the mandate of the Transportation Safety Board investigation. There is an old flying adage which says “any landing you walk away from is a good one”. Applying this logic to AC624 should make us conclude that it was a good landing, as there was no loss of life. That does not mean we should be complacent. Transport Canada has adopted a multimodal safety management regime which was to change the culture with respect to all modes of safety, making risk management a central pillar of that process from both a regulatory and management function. The goal is to take preventative steps so incidents don’t occur. The airspace over Eastern Canada is no stranger to disastrous incidents. Swiss Air 111 that crashed on September 2, 1998, was in visual range of Halifax International Airport at the time of its declared emergency. The pilots chose to dump fuel over St. Margaret’s Bay. In the process, the onboard fire overcame the MD-11 aircraft, resulting in the loss of 229 souls and the total loss of the aircraft near Peggy’s Cove. A Boeing 747 cargo plane crashed on the same approach in 2004, with the loss of nine lives. We have seen recently with a variety of recent air crashes, Air France AF477, Malaysian Air MH370 and MH17, Air Asia QZ8501, and most recently, Germanwings 9525, that aircraft incidents can and do occur in the 21st century. Most Canadians do not realize that Halifax is a major diversion airport for transatlantic flights that travel between North America and northern Europe. The North Atlantic is the world’s busiest oceanic airspace in the world. Nova Scotians are familiar with a sky full of contrails which marks the passage of commercial air traffic on a great circle route across the North Atlantic. At any one time, there may be up to 1,200 passenger aircraft traveling in both directions in Canadian controlled airspace (Gander Oceanic ATC) in the North Atlantic. Canada has obligations under international law, in particular the various conventions administered by the International Civil Aviation organization (IACO) which is based in Montréal, with respect to accident investigation as well as search and rescue. Halifax’ long runway at 10,500 feet and those at Gander, Newfoundland and Goose Bay, Labrador and Iqaluit, Nunavut, are critical components of an international web of diversion airports that are used from time to time when there is an in-flight emergency. We saw that in spades after 9/11. While they are not often used they are a critical component of international aviation safety. At Halifax International Airport and other major airports, we need to ensure that state-of-the-art instrument landing systems on all the runways are present and deployed, so that international flights that may be diverted, and in a declared state of emergency, which more likely than not occurs in bad weather, have every advantage for a safe landing. The south end of runway 05 did not have an instrument landing system. As for emergency response at Halifax International Airport, had 50 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Photo: EPA T AC 624 gone down in the rough and rocky glaciated terrain of the adjacent Waverley Game Sanctuary, where there are no roads, this would have required a complex search and rescue operation in deep snow using fixed and rotary wing aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force and military personnel, along with ground search individuals under the national Search and Rescue program. Waverley Ground Search and Rescue, headquartered not far from runway 05, which morphed into Halifax Regional Search and Rescue, is one of Canada’s leading and oldest ground search teams. We need to make use of all our skilled paid and unpaid SAR and First Responder professionals, and perform exercises simulating mass casualty aviation incidents around our major airports with the Canadian Armed Forces the lead on aviation SAR. AC624 needs to be a wake-up call for this to happen and integrate safety management into airport management. It is reasonable to anticipate that aircraft incidents at a Canadian airport or remote crash site will involve passengers being exposed to harsh winter weather or worse, Arctic conditions, for a good portion of the year. Passenger survivability is not limited to Halifax and is a serious issue in our Canadian controlled airspace of 18 million km2 including Gander Oceanic ATC and much of the Arctic, along with possible incidents arising at our airports. We need to examine aviation passenger survivability more closely, and develop the necessary protocols to have equipment available, including ground transportation, to minimize passenger exposure to the elements. Better planning needs to be in place to respond to the unthinkable, but possible, especially around airport runways where accidents are most likely to take place. The AC 624 incident at Halifax provides the catalyst to think about how we can enhance passenger survivability after a crash, with time being of the essence to reduce survivors’ environmental exposure and to speed up access to emergency medical care. Canada should use the AC624 incident to rethink the adoption of state-of-the-art technology to help prevent such accidents, and to improve emergency preparedness. We will be a safer and better country for this. Joe Spears is a safety consultant, maritime barrister and Managing Directorl of the Horseshoe Bay Marine Group, West Vancouver, Canada. He has acted as legal counsel and consultant for Transport Canada and developed and delivered the National Marine Investigation course. He has assisted the National Search and Rescue Secretariat on Arctic search and rescue He learned to fly at Halifax International Airport was involved in the startup of Cougar Helicopters. He can be reached at kjs@oceanlawcanada. sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 51 April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 51 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 52 CN announces $500-million capital program to upgrade Western Canada feeder rail lines N announced a multi-year program to invest approximately C$500 million in infrastructure improvements to its Western Canada feeder rail lines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan that are handling rising volumes of industrial products, natural resources, and energyrelated commodities. In 2015, CN will allocate approximately C$100 million for work on northern Alberta branch lines, investing in infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements, including heavier rail, crushed rock ballast and new ties, to ensure the network can efficiently accommodate future freight volume growth in the Peace River region. Claude Mongeau, President and CEO, said: “CN sees significant long-term potential in its customer base located on its Western Canada feeder network. We want to provide our customers with the capacity for continued efficient freight transportation services that increase their competitiveness in North American and global markets, as well as ensure our rail infrastructure is as safe as possible.” Photo: CN C CN continues to see rising freight volumes in Western Canada, which have increased by more than 50 per cent in the past five years. Given this growth, CN has also invested significantly in its EdmontonWinnipeg main line corridor, installing sections of double track, extending sidings to accommodate longer more efficient trains, and improving major classification yards. CN’s major investments in Western Canada are designed to increase the capac- ity and safety of its rail infrastructure and to allow the company to continue to grow at low incremental cost in support of Canada’s trade. Mongeau concluded: “CN believes that commercial principles and a stable regulatory environment are essential to support rail infrastructure investment and maintain Canada’s safe, efficient and well-functioning rail transportation marketplace in the future.” CN locomotive engineers in Canada ratify new labour agreement N announced that locomotive engineers in Canada represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union have ratified a new collective agreement with the company. The three-year agreement retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015, provides wage increases and C benefit improvements to approximately 1,800 locomotive engineers. Jim Vena, CN Executive Vice-President and COO, said: “We are pleased with the TCRC members’ ratification of this new labour agreement, which was bargained by the parties in February 2015 without the threat of labour disruption. With this ratification, CN has concluded its current round of collective bargaining in Canada and remains focused on delivering solid service to our customers and acting as a true backbone of the economy.” Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp. names CN 2014 Railroad Company of the Year vergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp. has named CN as its 2014 Railroad Company of the Year in recognition of CN’s “consistent high level of performance.” Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp. serves as North American General Agent for Evergreen Line. Evergreen is a global ocean carrier that serves all continents with container ships. Among its many trade routes, Evergreen Line is the major containerized shipping company serving the east coast of Asia and west coast of North America. The company operates more than 150 container ships calling on 240 ports worldwide in about 80 countries. Roy Amalfitano, President of Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp., said: “CN’s consistent high level of performance, E 52 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 particularly in comparison to its competitors, has earned it this recognition. Evergreen appreciates and recognizes CN’s excellence in quality, service and support. We thank CN and its employees and encourage the company to continue to provide the quality of service that we are recognizing now and going forward.” J.J. Ruest, CN’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, said: “CN is honoured by Evergreen’s award, which recognizes our clear focus on supply chain collaboration and making our mutual customers more competitive in their end markets.” Evergreen Line discharges and loads containers for CN at Port Metro Vancouver. CN hauls Evergreen Line traffic between the port and major markets in North America, including Toronto, Montreal, Chicago and Detroit. sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 53 Carriers can’t stop the rot: box shipping rates continue to hit new all-time lows BY MIKE WACKETT pot rates on the main east-west tradelanes suffered further serious losses with carriers seemingly powerless to stop the rate rot, despite a desperate strategy of blanked sailings and announcing massive general rate increases. Indeed, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) shows a sea of red numbers, with both Asia-Europe and Asia-US sectors losing ground – the latter actually losing more than the previous week’s $600 per 40ft GRI between Asia and the U.S. west coast. The $309 per 40ft plunge on the SCFI’s USWC index is a disaster for carriers trying to conclude last-minute annual service contracts with shippers to start on 1 May. Asia-Europe SCFI spot rates tumbled another $45 per TEU to $399 for North European ports and by $56 to $607 per TEU for Mediterranean destinations. Here, shippers that have already agreed new contract deals with carriers for 1 January, when spot rates were around 60 per cent higher, will be under pressure from their boards to tear them up and demand a better deal. They are unlikely to lose too much sleep over the ethics of reneging on contract volumes, given the current practice of carriers to blank sailings at relatively short notice and force them to seek other options to fulfill their supply chain requirements. Increasing numbers of shippers between Asia and North Europe are telling The Loadstar they are cutting deals with at least six carriers, rather than just the two they S might have signed with previously, in order to protect themselves from the random blanking of sailings. And in certain cases, contracts are with two carriers from each alliance in case the voyage-voiding becomes so intense that they are forced to fight for availability of space. Having lost the plot on their rate restoration strategy – the March and April GRIs gaining little traction – a fresh rally is now being prepared by carriers for 1 May GRIs. The most extreme examples seen by The Loadstar come from OOCL, for Asia-Mediterranean, with a $1,200 per TEU hike, while for North Europe, newcomer UASC has announced a $1,300 per TEU GRI. Container freight broker FIS notes that the latter represents a massive 326 per cent increase on current market levels and questions the sanity of the move. FIS’s Richard Ward said: “The sheer magnitude of the increase is nothing short of ludicrous. “Even more telling is that carriers are unable or unwilling to manage supply for a long enough duration that would help them to prop up rates for a prolonged period and offer no significant or long-term relief.” Meanwhile, a 9-per-cent year-on-year capacity overhang and a weak post-Chinese New Year market have hit Asia-Europe carriers at exactly the wrong time: as they anticipate the delivery of 60 new ultralarge container vessels with an average nominal intake of 15,000 TEUs or above this year. Reprinted courtesy of The Loadstar (www.loadstar.co.uk) New study claims mega-boxships not as fuel-efficient as those delivered 25 years ago BY MIKE WACKETT new study claims that containerships built in 2013 were, on average, 8 per cent less fuel-efficient than those delivered in 1990, while cars and aircraft had shown significant improvements in the same period. The study, commissioned by Brussels-based Seas At Risk environmental lobby group, challenges the claims of ocean carriers that their ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) are the most fuel-efficient boxships ever built. It states that despite the lower unit cost benefit from operating ULCVs, there is still a need for design improvements, and that the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) standards for new ships should be reviewed and tightened accordingly. Indeed, the ease with which newbuild designs are meeting the EEDI (made mandatory by the adoption of the MARPOL amendment on 1 January 2013) is leading to pressure for tighter regulations, thus forcing yards to build ships with more optimized solutions and technologies. Seas At Risk, an association of non-governmental organizations, said it found from its first study into the design efficiency of new ships that newbuild bulk carriers were the least efficient in the commercial shipping sector, burning 10 per cent more bunker fuel per km travelled than a quarter of a century ago. For tankers and containerships, the average fuel consumption per available tonne km was 8 per cent higher. The detailed study, by research consultancy CE Delft, concludes that despite improvements in hull design and propulsion efficiency in the past 25 years, the relative deterioration in efficiency has more to do with the design of modern vessels. In fact, the race to have the biggest containership in operation has seen the vessels A grow in beam rather than length in the past decade, in order to maximize their container capacity – thus the latest deliveries have become, unkindly, known as the “fat ladies” in the industry. Seas At Risk policy advisor and president of the Clean Shipping Coalition John Maggs said: “Now we know we cannot rely on rising fuel prices, other market forces or the good intentions of industry to solve shipping’s climate problem. Instead, we need a clear and ambitious target for reducing ship greenhouse gas emissions, and legally binding measures to get us there.” However, the World Shipping Council points to research showing that shipping produces fewer exhaust gas emissions for each tonne transported over one kilometre than air or road transport. It said: “There is little, if any, dispute about the fact that shipping is the most carbon-efficient mode of transportation.” However, Bill Hemmings, clean shipping manager at the Transport & Environment division of Seas At Risk, said: “The truth is out. Aircraft and cars have become more fuel efficient, but despite a generation of technological improvements, ships have largely gone backwards for most of the past 25 years. “The IMO’s design efficiency standard for new ships itself needs a redesign, and strengthening of the standard is not supposed to merely bring us back to levels achieved 25 years ago.” According to the report, fuel efficiency has improved by 20 per cent for cars during the period and by 7 per cent for aircraft, but has stagnated for heavy goods vehicles, about which it said there had been “no visible progress since 1990”. Reprinted courtesy of The Loadstar (www.loadstar.co.uk) April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 53 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 54 Donning of the Top Hat marks beginning of 2015 season at Port of Hamilton he first vessel of 2015 arrived in Hamilton Harbour in the early hours of April 6, marking the beginning of the 2015 shipping season at the port. MV Pacific Huron arrived carrying a load of steel coils from Spain and Italy, to be unloaded at Federal Marine Terminals’ facility at Pier 12. Port of Hamilton welcomes more than 600 vessels each season, which runs through the end of December. Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) officials greeted the vessel, presenting Captain Oleg Yarovoy with the ceremonial Top Hat, as part of an annual Port tradition. Port officials are optimistic about the 2015 shipping season. “We had a slightly late start as a result of the icy winter, but we are ready for a busy year now that we’re rolling,” said HPA President & CEO Bruce Wood. “As the season’s inaugural shipment illustrates, finished steel is a critical component of the Port’s total cargo tonnage.” More than a half-million tonnes of finished steel transited the Port of Hamilton in 2014, feeding a robust domestic manufacturing sector. The outlook remains strong for 2015. Other cargoes continue to increase as a proportion of the total. For example, agricultural commodities now make up 19 per cent of the Port’s tonnage, up from 10 per cent in 2009. This increase has been the result of substantial investments in terminal capacity. “Together with our tenants, we are investing heavily in terminal facilities to handle a wide range of cargo types,” said Bruce Wood. The Port has attracted close to $300 million in investment in recent Photo: Hamilton Port Authority T Hamilton Harbour Master Vicki Gruber with Captain Oleg Yarovoy on the bridge of MV Pacific Huron, at the port of Hamilton. years, including new asphalt cement, fertilizer and grain terminals. The largest Canadian port on the Great Lakes, the port of Hamilton handles 28 per cent of all of the cargo that travels through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. Port of Oshawa welcomes first international vessel of the season n April 20, Port of Oshawa officially welcomed its first international vessel, MV Marbacan, at a special Top Hat ceremony, kicking off a new shipping season, and what is expected to be a pivotal year for the Port. “With a new $2.5-million cargo pad and new multi-million dollar rail spur set to open this spring, the Port is well positioned to serve current customers and new businesses like never before,” said Donna Taylor, President and CEO of Oshawa Port Authority. “These investments in port expansion support our local companies and benefit the entire region.” Taylor presented Captain Sergii Prokopenko, Master of MV Marbacan, with the traditional top hat during a special ceremony attended by local elected and industry officials. MV Marbacan arrived from Portugal to offload more than 17,000 tonnes of steel rebar to be used in building construction in Durham Region and the GTA. Steel is the Port’s leading cargo, with 167,000 tonnes imported through the port in 2014, up significantly from over 94,000 tonnes handled in 2013. “Last year was a year of growth and expansion for the Port, and it’s already paying off,” said Gary Valcour, Chair of Oshawa Port Authority. “This season is just getting started, and we’ve LO G I S T I C S I n c LCL OCEAN & AIR CARGO CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Tel.: (514) 636-6333 www cargosdi.ca Fax.: (514) 636-5783 E-mail: [email protected] 54 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 Photo: Oshawa Port Authority O From left to right: Gary Valcour, Chair of Oshawa Port Authority; Captain Sergii Prokopenko, Master of MV Marbacan; and Donna Taylor, President and CEO of Oshawa Port Authority succeeded in attracting new customers and creating new jobs.” The first international ship to enter the Port of Oshawa through the St. Lawrence Seaway is honoured each year, during a special ceremony and presentation of the lucky Top Hat. This tradition began back in 1829, when the first ship entered the newly created Welland Canal, and the prestigious Top Hat was presented to the captain as a symbol of good luck. sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 55 Morterm receives season’s first salty in the port of Windsor n April 10th the first ocean-going vessel (salty) of the year arrived into the port of Windsor, kicking off the long-anticipated 2015 shipping season, which started a week later than normal due to heavy ice conditions in the Great Lakes. MV Floragracht – 137 metres long and 19 meters wide – docked at Morterm Limited where crews discharged her cargo, before she continued her voyage into Lake Erie. “It’s always a bit of a celebration when the first salty arrives. We like to welcome the Captain and his crew to our port as a gesture of goodwill,” said Peter Berry, Harbourmaster. “Having Morterm, the only general cargo terminal at the port, as part of our port landscape is critical. Morterm has made significant investments into specialized cargo handling equipment over the years, and its experience makes this terminal a premier Midwest distribution point for wind components as well as steel and bulk cargo.” “The first salty is symbolic for Morterm and for the community,” says Teresa Boutet, Vice-President of Morterm. Photo: Windsor Port Authority O “Not only does it let us know spring is finally here, but it marks the arrival of vital materials for local businesses, and the start of another work season for our longshoremen, stevedores, truckers and businesses that depend on the Terminal.” Fringe benefits to air freight throttle back as U.S. west coast port congestion eases BY ALEX LENNANE he impact on air freight from the west coast port congestion is beginning to ease off, although forwarders are reporting that capacity remains tight between Asia Pacific and the U.S. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach broke container volume records in March – the latter saw volumes rise 32 per cent, while Los Angeles enjoyed a 17.3 per cent rise as they work through the backlog of cargo. But a senior European air freight forwarder told The Loadstar that air cargo was still benefitting from the continued west coast congestion. “There is still a four to six-week backlog and we are still seeing an effect on the supply chain from Asia Pacific,” he said. “We are still finding some capacity constraints on flights to New York, Chicago, Dallas and also Miami, to a certain extent. Some of our Asian offices are using Europe as a transit hub for flights into the U.S.” Cathay Pacific announced its figures for March which, while strong on the T transpacific, showed a return to more normal volumes, something it attributed to weakness in Europe. Combined with sister airline Dragonair, the Hong Kong carrier saw revenue tonne km rise 2.4 per cent on a 1.5 per cent increase in volumes. “Air freight demand was generally robust throughout March, helped by the month-end and quarter-end production rush out of the key manufacturing cities in Mainland China,” said Mark Sutch, Cathay’s general manager cargo sales & marketing. “Once again the main focus of our business was on the transpacific lanes, with traffic into and out of North America spurred by the continuing congestion in sea ports on the west coast of the US. Demand to Europe remained below expectations, with business affected by the ongoing economic woes and the depreciation of the euro.” The west coast port backlog is expected to be cleared by mid-May, according to market sources. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said: “March container volumes were robust as our terminals worked aggressively to clear the backlog of vessels. The number of ships waiting at anchor has reduced significantly, labour levels are strong and our container terminals are extremely active. We continue to work on a series of initiatives to improve efficiencies throughout the supply chain.” In a statement, Port of Long Beach noted it was also trying to solve its congestion problems. “March numbers increased after terminal operators and dockworkers agreed to a tentative contract settlement at the end of February. At the same time, a new system to pool the chassis truckers use to haul cargo was launched to ease equipment shortages. “Activity ramped up as the terminals and labour force significantly cleared the backlog of cargo that had built up over several months of congestion.” Reprinted courtesy of The Loadstar (www.loadstar.co.uk) April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 55 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 56 Oceanex Inc. named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Gold Standard Member ceanex Inc. was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Gold Standard Member in 2014 for excellence in business performance. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen’s School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums, and recognizes Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million for sustained growth, financial performance, management practices and the efforts of the entire organization. “I would like to congratulate Oceanex Inc. and its entire workforce. Achieving this standard of excellence takes a united effort from a dedicated team,” said Peter Brown, National Co-Leader of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program and Senior Practice Partner, Deloitte. The 2014 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award, along with the Gold Standard winners, Requalified and Platinum Club members were honoured at the annual Best Managed gala in Toronto on March 31, 2015. On the same date, the Best Managed symposium addressed leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders. “I am indeed very proud of our team of experienced and knowledgeable employees”, said Oceanex Executive Chairman, Captain Sid Hynes. “Achieving the Gold Standard of this award is truly a testament to their efforts. Oceanex employees are focused on working safely while achieving an exceptional standard of performance and providing reliability for our customers!” Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Best Managed winner; 2) Requalified member; 3) Gold Standard winner; 4) Platinum Club member (winners that maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years). Photo: Oceanex O From left to right: Matthew Hynes, Executive Vice-President; Captain Sid Hynes, Executive Chairman; and Steve Bilas Vice-President, Marketing & Sales FedEx and TNT Express agree to merge edEx Corporation and TNT Express N.V. announced their intention to merge through an all-cash offer for all issued of TNT Express for a cash offer price of €8.00 per share in a transaction valuing TNT Express at an implied equity value of approximately €4.4 billion ($4.8 billion). The Offer Price represents a premium of 33 per cent over the closing price of 2 April 2015 and a premium of 42 per cent over the average volume weighted price per TNT Express Share F ODYSSEY SHIPPING Africa – Asia – Australia – Middle East – Europe – South America – United Kingdom Weekly LCL Service Online Bookings 24/7 www.odysseyshipping.com Tel.: (514) 631-2880 Toll Free: 1-877-631-2880 Email: [email protected] 56 • Canadian Sailings • April 27, 2015 of €5.63 ($6.14) over the last three calendar months. Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO of FedEx Corp., said: “We believe that this strategic acquisition will add significant value for FedEx shareowners, team members and customers around the globe. This transaction allows us to quickly broaden our portfolio of international transportation solutions to take advantage of market trends – especially the continuing growth of global e-commerce – and positions FedEx for greater long-term profitable growth.” Tex Gunning, CEO of TNT Express, said: “This offer comes at a time of important transformations within TNT Express and we were fully geared to executing our stand-alone strategy. But while we did not solicit an acquisition, we truly believe that FedEx’s proposal, both from a financial and a non-financial view, is good news for all stakeholders. Our people and customers can profit from the true global reach and expanded propositions, while with this offer our shareholders can already reap benefits today that otherwise would only have been available in the longer run.” The combined companies would be a strong global competitor in the transportation and logistics industry, drawing on the considerable and complementary strengths of both FedEx and TNT Express. The combined companies’ customers would enjoy access to a considerably enhanced, integrated global network. This network would benefit from the combined strength of TNT Express strong European road platform and Liege hub and FedEx’s strength in other regions globally, including North America and Asia. TNT Express customers would also benefit from access to the FedEx portfolio of solutions, including global air express, freight forwarding, contract logistics and surface transportation capabilities. FedEx and TNT Express are confident that FedEx will secure all relevant completion approvals as soon as practicable. The combination of FedEx and TNT Express is not expected to raise antitrust concerns, principally as a result of the strengths of competitors in relevant markets. FedEx and TNT Express anticipate that the Offer will close in the first half of calendar year 2016. Almost three years ago to the day, UPS announced its intention to purchase TNT Express in a $6.8 billion deal that was scuttled almost a year later by the European Commission. However, FedEx has a smaller European business which allowed it to express confidence that it will achieve regulatory approval. The deal has been underpinned by a strong dollar that has given FedEx the opportunity to purchase a quality business at an attractive price. Also, TNT’s share Photo: Wikipedia sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 57 price had declined as a result of stagnant revenues and financial losses reported for 2013 and 2014. With FedEx recognized as a strong operator, FedEx clearly has the necessary expertise to affect a business turnaround on the TNT side of the combined business, and will insist on maximum synergies to be achieved. MOL Liner Ltd. and MOL Asia Ltd. announce senior management personnel changes MOL Liner Ltd. and MOL Asia Ltd. announced the following changes in their senior management: Richard Hiller, currently the Executive Vice-President of Transpacific trade management at MOL Liner, becomes Chief of Commercial at MOL Liner. At the same time, Rich assumed the role of Deputy Managing Director at MOL Asia, as well as General Manager of Sales and Customer Service to assist Managing Director, Mitsujiro Akasaka of MOL Asia. He will report to Yutaka Hinooka, Chief Operation Officer of MOL Liner and Mitsujiro Akasaka. Sundeep Sibal, currently Regional Managing Director, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) South region, becomes Senior Vice-President at MOL Liner, Transpacific trade, and will report to Chief Operation Officer Yutaka Hinooka. Colin De Souza, currently Senior Vice-President of MOL Europe, Transatlantic and Europe-Africa trade, assumes the role of Regional Managing Director, ASEAN South region. Colin will report to managing director, Mitsujiro Akasaka of MOL Asia. Johan Van de Peer, currently Assistant Vice-President of MOL Europe, Asia Europe trade, has been promoted to Vice-President at MOL Europe and assumes responsibility for the Transatlantic and Europe-Africa trade. James Galligan, currently Director at MOL Asia Ltd. has been appointed to the position of Vice-President of MOL Liner and assumes responsibility for Transpacific pricing. James Boyer has been appointed to the position of Vice-President, refrigerated cargo services, reporting to Sundeep Sibal, Senior Vice-President of MOL Liner, Transpacific trade. James will oversee the refrigerated cargo services for Transpacific, Transatlantic and Latin trades. Tom Smart has been appointed to the position of Vice-President, Transpacific Export trade management, reporting to Sundeep Sibal, Senior Vice-President of MOL Liner, Transpacific trade. Toshiya Konishi, Chief Executive Officer, MOL Liner, said, “I am optimistic that these changes will strengthen MOL Liner and MOL Asia into solid organizations, strengthening our commercial portfolio, as well as partnerships, to achieve business process innovations that all customers and employees can further count on . MOL (Canada) Inc. appoints Mr. Allison Watson as Sales and Customer Service Manager MOL (Canada) Inc. is pleased to welcome Allison Watson as its new Sales and Customer Service manager, domiciled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He will report to Tim Harrington, Vice-President, Canada and will focus on Eastern Canada and sales activities for Atlantic Canada supported by colleagues in Mississauga and in Lombard, Illinois, U.S. Watson joins MOL after 27 years at NYK Line (Canada) where he served as a district manager of sales (6 years) and a district manager responsible for the Halifax branch office (21 years). Watson also spent five years at March Shipping Ltd. as an export coordinator and office manager. Me Eric Simard appointed to the Board of Directors of Montreal Port Authority Michel M. Lessard, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Montreal Port Authority (MPA), has announced the appointment of Me Eric Simard as a Director of Montreal Port Authority. Me Simard was appointed to this office by the City of Montreal for a three-year term ending March 23, 2018. Me Simard is a partner with the law firm Fasken Martineau and co-president of the Commercial Litigation section. He also leads the Construction Practice Group. He practices law as a civil and commercial litigant. He is a regular guest lecturer in his field and has also published numerous articles. The prestigious Chambers Global directory recognizes him as one of the leaders in his field of expertise in Canada. Me Simard is a member of the Quebec Bar, the Canadian Bar Association and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. April 27, 2015 • Canadian Sailings • 57 sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:40 PM Page 58 UPCOMING EVENTS Contact FRANCE NORMANDEAU [email protected] May 6 May 27-29 SHIPPING FEDERATION OF CANADA 14th Annual Conference Ritz Carlton Hotel, Montreal Contact: 514-849-2325 ext. 221, Farah Ahmad [email protected] www.shipfed.ca GREENTECH 2015 Renaissance Seattle Hotel, Seattle, Washington Contact: 206-409-3943, Eleanor Kirtley www.green-marine.org May 7 CIFFA 66th Annual General Meeting & FCA Gala Dinner Mississauga Convention Centre, Mississauga Contact: 416-234-5100 x232, Nick Lutz [email protected] www.ciffa.com May 18-21 BREAKBULK EUROPE 2015 Antwerp Expo, Antwerp, Belgium Contact: 973 432-5535, Adrian van Beuningen [email protected] www.breakbulk.com May 19-21 PORTSECURE MONTREAL Hyatt Regency Montreal, Montreal, Quebec Contact: 902.425.3980, Megan Pothier [email protected] www.portsecure.ca June 8 TRAFFIC CLUB OF MONTREAL Spring Golf Rosemère Golf Club Contact: 514-874-1207, Richard Parent [email protected] www.tcmtl.com June 12 CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS ASSOCIATION – EASTERN REGION (CIFFA) FCA Gala Dinner Plaza Volare, Montreal Contact: 416-234-5100 x232, Nick Lutz [email protected] www.ciffa.com June 13 THE GRUNT CLUB Family Picnic Angrignon Park, Lasalle, Quebec Contact: 514-694-2164, Ted Blaize [email protected] www.gruntclub.org June 13 May 21 TRAFFIC CLUB OF MONTREAL 18th Annual Lobster & Crab Party Alexandra Dock, Iberville Terminal, Port of Montreal Contact: 514-874-1207, Richard Parent www.tcmtl.com THE GRUNT CLUB Spring Golf Golf le Parcours du Cerf , Longueuil, Quebec Contact: 514-694-2164, Ted Blaize [email protected] www.gruntclub.org ADVERTISERS Canadian Sailings is not responsible for errors. Please verify with event organizers for possible changes or cancellations. 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Green. Safe. Smart. The next generation of CSL self-unloaders and bulkers are setting new standards. Inland-Coastal-Lake Ship Operator of the Year cslships.com sailings1061 2015-04-24 2:00 PM Page 60 2015 069 2015 069 d di di ili b li 04 0 04 02 2i d dd d 1 4/2/15 4/2/15 2/15 11:26 AM
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