Montreal investing in electrification

Montreal Port Authority (MPA) announced the initiative as it confirmed that the terminal would undergo a new construction phase to add 250,000 teus to its current capacity of about 350,000 teus. The work will take place from September 2019 to December 2020 and incorporate the terminal’s aim to continue using new technologies that benefit port operations.

“The terminal uses new technologies and will continue to do so, for example by electrifying certain components and using broadband reversing alarms on equipment to minimize the noise impacts of handling activities,” said MPA.

Mitigation measures

In 2017, during the terminal’s first construction phase, container terminal operators and the Port of Montreal team installed wideband (white noise) backup alarms on their different types of equipment.

Throughout the second development phase work, which will include installing piles, railway works, dynamic soil compaction, underground infrastructure works, laying foundation, and paving, mitigation measures will be implemented to minimise the impact on neighbouring communities.

For example, dust suppressants will be applied to prevent or reduce the spread of dust and motorised equipment will have high-performance mufflers.

The construction project is being undertaken by MPA in partnership with LOGISTEC – through the terminal operator Termont Montreal. MPA, LOGISTEC and the federal government will fund the second phase of the terminal development.

When fully operational, Viau Terminal will generate 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, as well as CAD$340m in economic benefits.