Canadian Sailings Headline News

Port of Montreal longshoremen to vote on agreement

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:28:58 -0400

According to a CBC report, longshoremen are voting Friday morning on an agreement that would end a five-day lockout and allow normal operations to resume at the Port of Montreal this weekend.

MSC reroutes Montreal-bound vessels to Halifax

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:54:24 -0400

Mediterranean Shipping Company announced on July 20 that it has decided to redirect four of its vessels carrying import cargo destined for discharge in Montreal to the Port of Halifax instead. The vessel voyages will be considered as terminated at port of discharge Halifax.

Longshoremen locked out at the Port of Montreal

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:49:34 -0400

The Maritime Employers Association chose to exercise its legal right according to the labour code and ordered a lockout at the Port of Montreal. This lockout will affect some 850 employees covered by the accreditation certificate held by the Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375.

Fuel cleanup underway in Montreal South Shore canal

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:01:31 -0400

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) reported that the cleanup of fuel spilled as a consequence of a vessel grounding on Monday evening in the Seaway’s South Shore canal is progressing. The spill has been contained by a series of booms.

Oil leak closes St. Lawrence Seaway south of Montreal

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:07 -0400

Diesel fuel leaked into the St. Lawrence River, forcing the Seaway to close until the spill is cleaned up. The grounding of the bulk carrier occurred near the Côte Sainte-Catherine lock, just south of Montreal, on the evening of Monday, July 12.

Ottawa pumps $521 million into Marine Atlantic

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:11:51 -0400

A half-billion-dollar investment in Marine Atlantic means the federal government is showing real commitment to the Atlantic Canada ferry service, said Gordon MacLeod, a municipal councillor in North Sydney, Cape Breton.

Sydney group still waiting on federal government for harbour dredging funds

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:31:46 -0400

The federal government remains uncommitted to a funding request from the Sydney Marine Group that would help finance the dredging of the entrance channel to Sydney harbour.

$10-million upgrade for Port of Montreal’s Cast Terminal

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:13:02 -0400

More than $10 million will be invested in a project to maximize container-handling capacity at the Port of Montreal’s Cast Terminal.

Chamber of Marine Commerce, Port of Montreal host federal Liberal caucus

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:40:45 -0400

Members of the federal Liberal caucus recently toured the Port of Montreal in an effort to learn more about the importance of Canada’s marine industry.

Canadian Coast Guard gets new chief helmsman

Mon, 31 May 2010 10:34:31 -0400

After five years and a few triumphs, George Da Pont is moving on from the Canadian Coast Guard. Once again, his replacement comes from outside the service but this time is well versed with some of its challenges.

Port of Montreal traffic up 7.6 per cent in first quarter

Tue, 11 May 2010 10:33:50 -0400

Total traffic through the Port of Montreal was up 7.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to statistics released by the Montreal Port Authority. The port handled 5.88 million tonnes of cargo in the first three months of this year, up from 5.47 million tonnes in the year-earlier period.

Maersk returns to Halifax with weekly service

Tue, 11 May 2010 10:33:19 -0400

Maersk Line is coming back to Halifax once again with a fixed weekly service. The new direct service will connect Halifax with markets in North Europe, and those in Far East Asia via transshipment.

Second edition of Nova Scotia Maritime Day set for April 21

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:21:08 -0400

Nova Scotia ports and industry associations, including the Company of Master Mariners of Canada, the Atlantic Cruise Association, the Halifax Shipping Association and the Shipping Federation of Canada, once again have joined together to stage the second edition of Nova Scotia Maritime Day.

Delmar Group continues global expansion

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:22:06 -0400

The Delmar Group has opened five new offices in Asia. The offices, located in the key trading and distribution centres of Hong Kong, Taipei, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Xiamen, will strengthen Delmar’s position in the region, the company said.

Gold Award for Emirates airline

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:21:17 -0400

Emirates airline captured a Gold Award at the first Air Cargo Excellence Awards held recently in Vancouver.

Industry, federal government to discuss port challenges

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:44:26 -0400

The Association of Canadian Port Authorities will hold its annual Port/Government Interface at the Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites on May 4-5.

North America-wide solution needed to reduce truck emissions, report says

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:43:22 -0400

Despite improvements in fuel and engine efficiency, truck-generated emissions of carbon dioxide are likely to increase, making the subject an important area for policy attention, says a Conference Board of Canada report.

Career Focus Program: funds available to supply chain employers for new hires

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:43:40 -0400

The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council said it is now accepting applications from employers to receive wage-subsidy funds in the second year of its Career Focus Program.

Wal-Mart Canada names CN Innovator of the Year

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:05:44 -0400

Wal-Mart Canada has presented its Innovator of the Year award to Canadian National Railway Co. The award recognizes CN’s efforts to deliver “cutting-edge” supply chain solutions for the retailer’s evolving logistics network.

$9.3-million project to double Port of Montreal’s electrical capacity

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:49:26 -0500

The Port of Montreal is doubling its electrical capacity. An estimated $9.3 million will be spent to improve electrical facilities, control equipment and network management, thereby increasing access point capacity along Hydro-Québec’s network in the port.

Two new partners for Port of Sept-Îles

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:48:50 -0500

The Port of Sept-Îles said it has signed rate agreements with Labrador Iron Mines Limited and New Millennium Capital Corp., clearing the way for direct-shipping iron ore to the port’s Pointe-Noire facilities.

Seaway to open March 25

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:00:38 -0500

The St. Lawrence Seaway has announced that the 2010 navigation season will begin on March 25 at 8 a.m. for both the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the waterway and the Welland Canal.

New York appellate court upholds state’s demand for offshore ballast-water exchange

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:03:47 -0500

A New York appeals court has upheld the state’s regulations obliging ships to replace their ballast water at least 50 nautical miles (92.6 kilometres) offshore before entering its waters.

Ontario region investigating short-sea shipping opportunities

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:03:02 -0500

The Regional Municipality of Durham is undertaking a study to assess the potential for marine transportation via the Port of Oshawa to improve the movement of goods to and from the region. A public consultation meeting will be held in Oshawa on Feb. 22 to present the results of the study and to solicit feedback from regional shippers and other stakeholders.

Irving cancels world-class port development in Saint John

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:01:51 -0500

Last summer, Irving Oil canned its big plans for a second refinery in Saint John. Then, on Feb. 2, the groundhog must have seen a long shadow when the company announced it was halting its elaborate ‘World Headquarters’ on a large port terminal.

Green Marine names executive director

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:32:47 -0500

The board of directors of Green Marine Management Corporation has announced the appointment of David Bolduc to the position of executive director. Mr. Bolduc had been working as the group’s project co-ordinator.

New bulk business for Logistec USA

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:12:33 -0500

Logistec USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Montreal-based Logistec Corporation, said it has entered into a long-term agreement with HRK Holdings, LLC for the handling of fertilizers and other bulk materials in Port Manatee, Fla.

Prince Rupert posts highest volume throughput in 12 years

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:40:54 -0500

The Port of Prince Rupert sailed safely through the global economic downturn, recording in 2009 its highest volume throughput in the past 12 years. The port handled 12.2 million tonnes of cargo last year, up 15 per cent over 2008.

Grain traffic increase helps Trois-Rivières stay on par in 2009

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:16:36 -0500

The Port of Trois-Rivières escaped the worst of the economic downturn and kept its 2009 cargo numbers on par with those of the previous year, according to preliminary statistics from the Trois-Rivières Port Authority.

Recession takes bite out of Port of Quebec traffic

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:53:26 -0500

The Port of Quebec saw its total traffic decrease by about 21 per cent to approximately 21 million tonnes in 2009, according to preliminary statistics from the Quebec Port Authority. The port had handled a record 27.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2008.

Halifax container cargo slips 11 per cent in 2009

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:52:41 -0500

Containerized cargo traffic through the Port of Halifax dropped 11 per cent in 2009, according to yearend statistics released by the Halifax Port Authority. The decrease was not as dramatic as anticipated thanks to a strong fourth quarter.

Seaway volume in 2009 could be record low

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:52:55 -0500

The St. Lawrence Seaway handled an estimated 30.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2009, perhaps the lowest volume ever for the waterway, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation said. Volume was down 25 per cent from the 40.8 million tonnes of cargo moved in 2008.

Port of Montreal box traffic down 14 per cent in 2009

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:11:18 -0500

Container traffic through the Port of Montreal was down about 14 per cent in 2009 from the previous year, according to preliminary statistics from the Montreal Port Authority.

Vancouver container traffic down 15 per cent through November

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:38:42 -0500

Container traffic through Port Metro Vancouver for the 11 months ended Nov. 30 was down 15 per cent at 1.97 million TEUs.

Halifax Shipyard to refit HMCS Preserver

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:26:34 -0500

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been awarded a contract worth nearly $45 million to carry out a refit of the navy supply vessel HMCS Preserver.

Armed icebreaker idea resurfaces

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:22:31 -0500

It’s back to armed icebreakers in the Arctic. After his 2006 election victory, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said his government wanted the Canadian Coast Guard to have new ships in the Arctic that could do more than punch through ice.

Quebec to host international hydrographic conference

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:50:53 -0500

The Canadian Hydrographic Association has announced that the 2010 Canadian Hydrographic Conference will be held at the Quebec City Convention Centre from June 21 to 23.

Ottawa appoints mediator in CN dispute

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:32:11 -0500

Veteran mediator Andrew Sims has been appointed as arbitrator in the contract negotiations between CN and its 1,700 locomotive engineers.

Bay Ferries pulls plug on Nova Scotia-Maine service

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:08 -0500

Bay Ferries Ltd. has pulled the plug on its high-speed ferry service between Yarmouth, N.S., and the two Maine ports of Portland and Bar Harbor.

First phase of rail service review near completion

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:37:14 -0500

The first stage of a railway service review is essentially complete but cannot be released until Transport Minister John Baird gives his blessing, says the head of the assessment.

Delmar International acquires Federated Customs Brokers

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:06:17 -0500

Delmar International Inc., a wholly owned Canadian logistics service provider with subsidiaries in the United States and Asia, said it has acquired The Federated Group of companies including Federated Customs Brokers Limited, Federated Freight Services Limited, J.D. O’Hearn & Company Limited and Federated International, Inc.

Senate report calls for foreign vessels entering Canadian Arctic waters to register with authorities

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:46:05 -0500

All foreign vessels entering Canadian Arctic waters should be required to report to NORDREG – the Arctic Canada Traffic System – regardless of size or tonnage, says a report by the standing Senate committee on fisheries and oceans. Currently, foreign vessels transiting the Northwest Passage have no obligation to report to any Canadian authority, as long as they do not land.

Arbitrator to decide wage, benefits issues for CN locomotive engineers

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:44:37 -0500

CN said unresolved wage and benefits issues for 1,700 of its locomotive engineers in Canada will be submitted to binding arbitration after renewed negotiations between the company and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) ended Dec. 12 without a settlement.

West Coast shipbuilders form alliance

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:18:37 -0500

Shipbuilders located on Canada’s West Coast met on Nov. 27 to form an unprecedented alliance to provide a unified voice to all levels of government in an effort to promote British Columbia’s shipbuilding industry.

Mixed reviews for Prairie grain transportation

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:28:38 -0500

Prairie grain transportation has never worked better than during the past six months but grain companies are far from satisfied with the service they get from the railways, an industry symposium heard in late November.

Halifax signs accord with Vietnamese container port

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:45:18 -0500

The Port of Halifax signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Haiphong, Vietnam, on Dec. 3. Karen Oldfield, president and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, was visiting the Port of Haiphong as part of an Atlantic Gateway trade mission to Vietnam.

Shiprider program reaches the Commons

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:25:01 -0500

Legislation to implement the Shiprider marine security program was finally introduced by the Harper government on Nov 27.

Halifax Shipyard to refit HMCS Iroquois

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:56:58 -0500

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been awarded a federal contract to carry out the refit of HMCS Iroquois.

Washington Marine Group cuts 20% of shore staff

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:47:10 -0500

The axing of 20 per cent of the shore staff of North Vancouver-based Washington Marine Group, announced Nov. 18 by CEO Jonathan Whitworth, is believed to affect 60 employees, though the company is not confirming numbers.

CN strike ends before Parliament can act

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:03:15 -0500

With Parliament prepared to order an end to a five-day-old strike, CN and its 1,700 locomotive engineers quickly reached a settlement yesterday.

CN makes counter-offer to engineers

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:38:37 -0500

CN made a new offer late yesterday to get its striking locomotive engineers back to work. The union hasn’t yet responded but it might not matter as the federal government intends to push back-to-work legislation through the Commons today.

CN back-to-work legislation waiting for Parliamentary time

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:51:56 -0500

It may be a few days before federal legislation to end the CN engineers’ strike gets through Parliament.

Quebec port boss to carry Olympic flame

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:28:22 -0500

Ross Gaudreault, president and CEO of the Quebec Port Authority, will be officially joining the Olympic family for the 21st Olympic Winter Games when at 6:06 p.m. on Dec. 3 he becomes one of the 12,000 Canadian torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame.

Ottawa to introduce legislation to end CN strike

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:23:51 -0500

Labour Minister Rona Ambrose was to introduce legislation today to order a return to work by CN’s 1,700 engineers and send their contract dispute to binding arbitration.

Washington Marine Group acquires CME’s Victoria unit

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:59:23 -0500

The Washington Marine Group, of North Vancouver, announced Nov. 23 that it has acquired most of the assets of CME (Victoria) Ltd., the Vancouver Island unit of Canadian Maritime Engineering group (CME), of Dartmouth, N.S.

CN, union face off with strike looming

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:42:09 -0500

CN and Teamsters Canada officials huddled in Montreal on Nov. 27 with federal mediators trying to break an impasse on a new contract and avoid a nationwide strike by locomotive engineers.

Marine Atlantic changes date for drop-trailer fee increase

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:10:00 -0500

The trucking industry was given a one-month reprieve on new charges to use Marine Atlantic’s drop-trailer service.

Last of B.C. fast cats ships out to Abu Dhabi

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:37:10 -0500

The PacifiCat Explorer, the last of three “not-fit-for-purpose” British Columbia fast ferries to be exported to Abu Dhabi, sailed from Vancouver on Nov. 23 aboard the MV Swift of heavy-lift specialist Dockwise Shipping BV.

Melfi back in Halifax

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:45:01 -0500

After several months’ absence, Melfi Marine has decided to start sailing back into the Port of Halifax. The first vessel will arrive in late December.

Shipowners continue push for end to duty on imported vessels

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:00 -0500

The Shipbuilding Association of Canada is looking for a compromise with groups that want to encourage the federal Finance Department to implement its proposal to put an end to a 25-per-cent duty on imported ships.

Tyden Group acquires E.J. Brooks Combination of two brands in security-seals industry

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:28 -0500

Tyden Group Holdings Corporation, a portfolio company of Crimson Investment, has announced the acquisition of E.J. Brooks Company, a provider of security seals and metering related products.

Port of Saint John VP new CITT chair

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:45:37 -0500

CITT – the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation – has elected Andrew Dixon, vice-president of marketing and business development for the Saint John Port Authority, as its chair of the board for 2009-10.

Groups look to revive Halifax-New England marine link

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:17:49 -0500

The return of a marine link between Halifax and New England remains a topical issue. The Halifax Port Authority is eager to get the connection started again and says it is in discussions with potential operators. And a Boston shipping agent believes the short-sea service can be revived and operate successfully.

Sydney channel deepening project moves forward

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:24:45 -0500

The project to deepen the entrance channel into Sydney Harbour is moving forward. The Sydney Marine Group and the Sydney Ports Corporation are seeking requests for proposals to dredge the 8.5-kilometre channel down to a depth of approximately 17 metres. 

Port of Churchill posts solid results

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:15:07 -0500

The shipping season through the Port of Churchill lasted for little more than two months this year but the Canadian Wheat Board managed to export 529,000 tonnes of western Canadian wheat through the facility.

Lunenburg Conference to focus on marine protected areas, integrated ocean enforcement

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:48:32 -0500

Marine protected areas in Canada hold the key to preserving a viable and healthy ocean ecosystem and Canadians need to think broadly when searching for cost-effective solutions for protecting the largest coastal resource on earth, say organizers of The Lunenberg Conference.

Government proposes to eliminate 25-per-cent import duty on certain ships

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:51:04 -0500

Canada’s shipbuilding industry can’t seem to change the federal government’s determination to eliminate a 25-per-cent import duty on foreign-built vessels.

Economic downturn not halting plans for box terminals at Melford, Sydney

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:59:53 -0500

The global recession may have slowed progress but there are no plans to halt scheduled new container terminal construction at two Nova Scotia ports.

Halifax box numbers show moderate improvement

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:10:06 -0400

Although the global economy remains sluggish and industry remains skeptical about the recession being over, container volumes over the Port of Halifax showed moderate improvement in the third quarter.

New executive for Company of Master Mariners

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:44:07 -0400

Capt. Jim Calvesbert, of Dartmouth, N.S., is the new national master of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada.

Logistec acquires Rideau Bulk Terminals

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:50:38 -0400

Logistec Corporation announced Oct. 26 that it has acquired, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Logistec Stevedoring Inc., 100 per cent of the issued and outstanding shares of Les Terminaux Rideau Bulk Terminals Inc.

CN orders 70 big locomotives

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:36:43 -0400

Canadian National Railway is ordering 70 new high-horsepower locomotives, splitting them evenly between suppliers GE Transportation and Electro-Motive Diesel.

Neptune Terminals to invest $37.5 million in Vancouver facility upgrades

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:43:16 -0400

Neptune Terminals has announced plans by its shareholder Canpotex to invest $37.5 million to upgrade the existing potash facility at its North Shore terminal in Port Metro Vancouver.

Senator creates stir with suggestion to move Halifax box cargo to Melford

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:04:52 -0400

A rookie Canadian senator has set the East Coast shipping community abuzz with his suggestion to close out container operations in the Port of Halifax and move everything to Melford at the Strait of Canso.

New executive for Atlantic trucking group

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:17:31 -0400

The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association has a new chairman. Shane Esson, general manager of Keltic Transportation Inc., in Moncton, was elected to the position at the association’s annual meeting held recently at Brudenell, P.E.I.

Canada needs icebreakers ASAP: Shipping Federation

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:44 -0400

The federal government needs to provide as much as $1 billion in funding for the urgent replacement of the Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreakers, says Michael Broad, president of the Shipping Federation of Canada.

Nova Scotia to establish Atlantic Gateway secretariat

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:18:56 -0400

The Nova Scotia government will establish an Atlantic Gateway secretariat and advisory council to further strengthen its gateway initiative.

Trépanier to leave St. Lawrence Shipoperators

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:52:58 -0400

Nicole Trépanier, executive director of St. Lawrence Shipoperators, will be leaving the association in mid-November to become director of security and environment of the Société des traversiers du Québec.

World Shipper Group continues to press for maritime reform

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:42:37 -0400

The Global Shippers’ Forum wrapped up its annual two-day meeting in London on Sept. 15 and continued to press for other major trading nations to follow the lead of the European Union in abolishing liner conference exemptions from anti-trust laws.

Report examines logistics, supply chain management technology innovation in Canada

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:53:43 -0400

Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada, Industry Canada and RBC Royal Bank are partnering to stage a series of breakfast briefings featuring the release of the first in-depth analysis on the use of advanced supply chain management/logistics/transportation technology in Canada.

Marine Atlantic increases fuel surcharge, looks to boost drop-trailer rates

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:51:08 -0400

Marine Atlantic Inc. is increasing some of its fees, which will not bode well for the cost of moving goods by truck between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cole Group acquires Northern Arrow

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:37:17 -0400

The Cole Group, a Canadian-based global provider of customs brokerage, customs and commodity tax consulting, freight forwarding and warehousing solutions, said it has acquired Montreal-based Northern Arrow Freight Systems.

River terminal continues to set standard for container production in Port Metro Vancouver

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:47:15 -0400

Fraser Surrey Docks, in Port Metro Vancouver, continues to raise the bar by achieving unprecedented monthly average productions on its container vessels in 2009.

Fertilizer industry proposes processes for disputed rail rates

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:08:27 -0400

The fertilizer industry has proposed a Commercial Dispute Resolution model for dealing with quarrels with the railways over freight rates, says Roger Larson, president of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute.

Evergreen, China Shipping launch joint service between Asia, Pacific Northwest

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:05:44 -0400

Evergreen Line and China Shipping are launching a joint weekly service linking ports in Asia to locations in the American and Canadian Pacific Northwest.

Canada’s first LNG terminal officially commissioned in Saint John

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:33:12 -0400

More than 400 people gathered in a large tent at Canaport LNG on a sunny Sept. 24 to officially open Canada’s first liquefied natural gas terminal.

Kudos from shippers for rail review panel

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:08:56 -0400

The appointment of a three-member panel by the federal government to review complaints about railway service is receiving positive comments from shipper spokesmen.

Halifax Shipyard celebrates 120th anniversary

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:43:03 -0400

The Irving-owned Halifax Shipyard is 120 years old. The shipyard, which has been a vital industry fixture in Halifax Harbour since 1889, celebrated its birthday, complete with cheering workers and cake, on Sept. 21.

Ports of Hamilton, Halifax forge closer ties to promote short-sea shipping

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:16:36 -0400

Officials from the Hamilton Port Authority were in Halifax on Sept. 18 to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Halifax Port Authority aimed at advancing the development of short-sea shipping service opportunities.

Port of Windsor names new harbour master

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:33:10 -0400

David Cree, president and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority, has announced the appointment of Peter Berry to the position of harbour master.

Washington Marine Group appoints new CEO

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:14:10 -0400

The board of directors of Washington Marine Group has appointed Jonathan Whitworth as the company’s new CEO.

Atlantic Gateway Advisory Council gets federal funds

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:49:38 -0400

The Atlantic Gateway Advisory Council is getting federal funding to support its work over the next two years.

Ports group preparing for upturn in global goods movement

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:41:15 -0400

The Association of Canadian Port Authorities says it is working with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that Canada’s national port system is prepared to handle growing trade once the current economic downturn is over.

Halifax Shipyard to build coast guard mid-shore patrol vessels

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:36:55 -0400

The Canadian Coast Guard is getting some new ships. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been awarded a $194-million contract to build nine mid-shore patrol vessels at Halifax Shipyard.

Port of Montreal gets federal funds to improve truck access

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:31:46 -0400

The Government of Canada will provide the Montreal Port Authority with up to $9 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to build a common access portal for trucks.

Port Metro Vancouver announces new executive team

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:21:43 -0400

Port Metro Vancouver has announced a smaller and more streamlined executive team.

Nova Scotia railway seeks continuation of subsidy

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:28:25 -0400

Officials with the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway plan to sit down with the province’s new NDP government to discuss the continuation of a provincial subsidy.

Seaway Marine Transport loans state-of-the-art engine to Georgian College

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:58:35 -0400

Seaway Marine Transport and its parent companies, Algoma Central Corporation and Upper Lakes Shipping, are working closely with Georgian College’s Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre to address the impending shortage of qualified marine engineers in Ontario and the Great Lakes marine industry.

Prince Rupert box traffic rallies

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:41:20 -0400

Container traffic at the Port of Prince Rupert’s Fairview Terminal recovered somewhat in the second quarter after a weak start to the year, increasing to 56,573 TEUs from 41,043 TEUS in the opening three months. But volume has yet to match the 79,106 TEUs handled in the closing three months of 2008, which had the best quarterly performance since the terminal opened in November 2007.

ECA proposal gets major green light

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:38:20 -0400

The U.S.-Canadian proposal for an Emission Control Area (ECA) is on its way to being adopted by the International Maritime Organization. The coastal regions where ships will have to reduce emissions by using fuel with progressively lower sulphur content and/or new engine technology will include France’s Saint-Pierre and Miquelon islands and eventually Mexico.

New direct service between Halifax, Vietnam

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:04:35 -0400

Importers and exporters using the Port of Halifax will now have a direct service to Vietnam. The new service will be part of the CKYH Alliance’s AWE-4 itinerary that will add Ho Chi Minh City to the port rotation.

Montreal container traffic down 18.4% in first half

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:54:00 -0400

The Port of Montreal handled 5.4 million tonnes of containerized cargo in the first half of 2009, down 18.4 per cent from the first six months of last year. The drop in full and empty containers was 14.6 per cent to 619,721 TEUs.

Appointments to two pilotage authorities

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:39:12 -0400

Transport Minister John Baird has announced the appointments of Michel Desrochers to the board of directors of the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority and Martin Karlsen, Alan Stockdale and Edward Anthony to the board of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority.

Halifax air cargo developer signs lease deal with FedEx

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:39:00 -0400

The developer of a new cargo facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport has signed a 15-year lease agreement with FedEx.

New Brunswick’s energy hub still charged without second refinery

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:51:15 -0400

Economic shock waves are still being felt around the transportation and logistics community in New Brunswick following Irving Oil Ltd. and BP’s decision to shelve construction a second oil refinery in Saint John on the Bay of Fundy coast.

Vachon named Port of Montreal CEO

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:14:24 -0400

The board of directors of the Montreal Port Authority has appointed Sylvie Vachon to the position of president and CEO, chairman Michel Lessard announced today. Ms. Vachon has been the port authority’s vice-president of administration and human resources since 1997 and acting president and CEO since March 17.

B.C.’s fast ferries sold

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:51:33 -0400

British Columbia’s notorious trio of catamaran fast ferries has found a buyer in the Persian Gulf.

Oceanex selects SpecTec’s asset management software

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:38:38 -0400

Oceanex Inc., a provider of intermodal transportation services to Newfoundland from anywhere in North America, has selected SpecTec’s AMOS2 Enterprise Management Suite to manage its three vessels as well as its terminal in St. John’s.

International honour for former chair of importers/exporters group

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:29:15 -0400

Isabel Alexander, president of Phancorp Inc. and former chair of I.E.Canada – the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters – has been honoured as a recipient of the 2009 International Women of Influence Award.

Port of Montreal to test green locomotive

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:57:33 -0400

Under Transport Canada’s Freight Technology Demonstration Fund, the Montreal Port Authority will receive a contribution of up to $500,000 towards a demonstration project involving a multiple-generator locomotive that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. The project will take place in the port’s marshalling yard over a six-month period.

Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL to co-operate with MSC on North Atlantic service

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:53:07 -0400

St. Lawrence Co-ordinated Service members OOCL and Hapag-Lloyd say they will rationalize their jointly operated SLCS1 North Atlantic service/GEX1 with Mediterranean Shipping Co.’s Canadian Gateway service, known as the Montreal Express 1.

Shipping CEOs meet with transport minister

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:04:36 -0400

Executives from four Canadian-based shipping companies met in Ottawa on July 21 with John Baird, federal minister of transport, infrastructure and communities, and MP Mike Wallace, chair of the Marine Industry Caucus.

Fednav’s Umiak I graces Montreal waterfront

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:25:55 -0400

Montreal residents and tourists alike are witnessing an unfamiliar new ship tied up at Alexandra Pier No. 4 in the city’s Old Port area – the MV Umiak I. The modern Canadian-flagged ship, the most powerful icebreaking bulk carrier in the world, is in Montreal for routine maintenance.

New Nova Scotia government supports Atlantic Gateway initiative

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:44:42 -0400

Nova Scotia’s new government says it wholeheartedly supports the Atlantic Gateway initiative and will work closely with all those involved to see it becomes a booster of the provincial economy.

Halifax sees some positive signs despite 19.9% drop in box traffic in second quarter

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:26:20 -0400

While the Port of Halifax followed the global trend of declining cargo numbers in the second quarter of 2009, port stakeholders say they have seen some positive signs in the past few months.

U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet off 37% in June

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:30:23 -0400

The recession again hammered the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet in June. Cargo movement totalled only 7.2 million net tons, down 37 per cent compared to June 2008, the Lake Carriers’ Association said.

Business as usual at Eimskip

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:18:56 -0400

It will be business as usual for Eimskip customers in Atlantic Canada as the Icelandic company goes through financial restructuring.

New LCL service through Halifax

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:18:18 -0400

Small businesses in Atlantic Canada will now be able to move small amounts of export cargo over the Port of Halifax to markets in Europe.

Air Canada gets OK for temperature-controlled units

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:58:44 -0400

Air Canada says it has become the first North American airline to be certified by Transport Canada for the carriage of temperature-controlled RKN e1 containers.

Ferries for sale on Craigslist

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:36:39 -0400

The selling agent for two Fraser River vehicle ferries is using Craigslist as one means of finding a buyer. The pair is out of a job following the opening of an $800-million bridge on June 16.

CIFFA announces new president

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:17:49 -0400

Following its 60th Annual General Meeting held recently in Montreal, the newly elected Board of Directors of the CIFFA announced the new president of the Board. Marc Bibeau, president of OEC, accepted the position for a two-year term. Robert Walker becomes the ex-officio past president and will continue to serve on the Board.

Marine Atlantic reinstates fuel surcharge

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:17:53 -0400

Marine Atlantic is bringing back fuel surcharges on its service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Spokeswoman Tara Laing said the new fees will be effective July 17 and will add six per cent to the price of a one-way crossing.

Port Metro Vancouver terminal reaches record monthly production on container vessels

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:21:11 -0400

Fraser Surrey Docks at Port Metro Vancouver achieved a record monthly average production on its container vessels in May.

Airport VP new chair of Halifax Gateway Council

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:56:43 -0400

Joyce Carter, vice-president of finance and CFO for the Halifax International Airport Authority, has been elected the new chair of the Halifax Gateway Council, replacing Stephen Dempsey, president and CEO of the Greater Halifax Partnership.

New executive director for Atlantic Gateway advisory group

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:56:01 -0400

The Atlantic Gateway Advisory Council has a new executive director. David Oxner, who is the executive director of the Nova Scotia government’s gateway initiative, has been seconded for one year to run the advisory council.

Weekly Hamilton-Montreal container feeder service to begin July 3

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:54:55 -0400

The proponents of a new container feeder service between Montreal and Hamilton that will begin in early July say the initiative signals a new era of goods movements in Canada.

Halifax looks at shore power for ships

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:44:35 -0400

The Halifax Port Authority says it may take advantage of a federal government program that is designed to improve air quality around ports.

Stage set for shipowner shakeout

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:19:55 -0400

There’s a big shakeout coming in the ranks of international shipowners because of a collapse of freight rates and a glut of new ships, says Michael Broad, president of the Shipping Federation of Canada.

Seaway Marine and Industrial wins contract to refit coast guard vessel

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:04:32 -0400

The Canadian Coast Guard has awarded a $2.7-million contract to Seaway Marine and Industrial Inc. to refit the Griffon. The work will modernize the vessel and replace the buoy-handling crane and other equipment such as generators and air compressors.

Marine caucus goes deep

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:56:05 -0400

Five members of Parliament and marine industry representatives took depth of knowledge to new heights on a recent visit to a salt mine 525 metres below Lake Huron.

Montreal handles huge heavy-lift

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:55:39 -0400

Bickerdike Basin at the Port of Montreal was the theatre for a spectacular heavy-lift operation on June 2. A 784-tonne vacuum tower measuring 50.6 metres long, 16.8 metres wide and 13 metres in diameter was transshipped from a specialized vessel that arrived from Spain onto a barge that will bring it to Burns Harbor, Indiana, on the south shore of Lake Michigan.

Freight forwarders, logistics groups sign partnership deal

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:04:19 -0400

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association and the Canadian Professional Logistics Institute have signed a new Partnership in Professionalism agreement.

Idled box fleet shrinks

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:22:00 -0400

The fleet of idled container ships owned by ocean carriers is shrinking as unemployed vessels are brought back into service to handle the seasonal rise in cargo volumes.

Manufacturing index edges upward in U.S.

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:39:33 -0400

The Institute of Supply Management’s Manufacturing Index pushed up 2.7 percentage points in May, the fifth straight monthly improvement in a closely watched report that showed growing signs that the United States’ long-battered factory sector is scaling up orders and production.

Green Marine unveils shipping industry’s first environmental performance results

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:50:25 -0400

As part of the Green Tech conference on green technologies for the shipping industry, Green Marine has unveiled the first global results posted by participants in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes Maritime Industry Environmental Program.

Montreal boxes drop sharply in April

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:14:21 -0400

The Port of Montreal has reported itself “relatively optimistic about the future,” although a 22.5-per-cent drop in April container traffic reduced performance that has proved comparatively strong against competitors.

Inadequate braking system caused fatal CN derailment: report

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:14:00 -0400

After one of the most exhaustive railway accident investigations it has undertaken, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has found that the principal cause of a 60 mph death ride in British Columbia was the absence of supplementary braking on a 31-year-old Canadian National locomotive.