Montreal continues growth after record year

Montreal continues growth after record year The Port of Montreal is continuing to grow after handling a record 25.1 million tons of cargo in 2006, slightly more than the 24.9 million tons it handled the prior year.
   In the first quarter of this year cargo volumes handled at the port increased 3.8 percent, with containerized tonnage up 3.3 percent.
   Last year, the port 11.8 million tons of general cargo including 1.29 million TEU of containerized cargo, 7.7 million tons of liquid bulk and 5.6 million tons of dry bulk cargo.
   Last year’s volume “confirms Montreal’s strategic position as an inland port and a hub for the shipping industry in eastern Canada’s business corridor,' said Dominic Taddeo, chief executive officer, and Marc Bruneau, chairman, in the port’s annual report. 'In the current competitive environment, where trade with emerging markets in Asia and India leads to greater growth in international business, the Port of Montreal continues to grow its volume and reaffirm its leadership in the transatlantic routes, while taking advantage of certain transshipment markets.”
   Montreal's tonnage increase last year was due largely to new services in 2006, including the addition of MOL, Taddeo and Bruneau said.
   At the port’s annual meeting this week where the results were released, Taddeo revealed he is planning to retire late this year after holding the top job at the port since 1984.