Montreal ?09 container traffic falls

Montreal Æ09 container traffic falls    Container traffic through the Port of Montreal fell 15.3 percent in 2009, the port said last week.
   The port handled 1.25 million TEUs during the year. By total tonnage, the port's drop in volume was 12 percent to 24.5 million tons. Bulk cargo dropped 8.7 percent to 13 million tons.
   The port said market diversification efforts did lead to an increase in container volume from the Mediterranean, which rose 5.5 percent during 2009. Montreal also saw a 14.7 percent rise in grain tonnage.
   'The diversification of our markets puts the Port of Montreal in a strong position to benefit from the economic recovery,' said Sylvie Vachon, Montreal Port Authority president and chief executive, in a statement. 'Moreover, recent growth in certain types of dry bulk cargo traffic, such as iron ore, could be a harbinger of economic recovery.'