- Port of Montreal handles 35.26 million tonnes in 2024, maintaining stability despite challenges.
- Dry bulk sector grows by 9%, led by grain and sugar demand.
- Container sector declines 3.88% due to labor uncertainties.
- Liquid bulk and non-containerized goods sectors remain stable.
- MSC Shannon III wins Gold-Headed Cane award as the first vessel of 2025.
The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has announced that despite the economic slowdown of 2023 and ongoing challenges in 2024, the Port of Montreal managed to maintain stable overall tonnage, handling 35.26 million metric tons (tonnes) of goods. This result highlights the port’s diversification and resilience, reaffirming its key role in the regional economy.
Performance in Key Sectors
Despite challenges in the container segment due to labor uncertainties, the Port of Montreal’s overall performance remained steady, thanks to strong teamwork and collaboration between the MPA and its port partners. Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, emphasized the advantages that helped the port weather adversity, including access to diverse markets, a balanced trade model, and the expertise and dedication of the workforce.
The dry bulk sector saw significant growth in 2024, with tonnage increasing by 9% to 8.86 million tonnes, driven by a strong grain harvest and higher demand for sugar. Conversely, the container sector experienced a decline of 3.88%, with a total of 12.58 million tonnes handled. This drop was influenced by ongoing labor-related disruptions and the uncertainty over labor relations that has affected the sector for several years. However, trade with Ontario and Northern Europe saw positive growth, with increases of 2% and 5.3%, respectively.
The liquid bulk sector maintained stable volumes at 13.62 million tonnes, while the non-containerized goods sector also returned to its regular volumes, handling nearly 197,000 tonnes. These results are preliminary and will be fully audited and disclosed at the MPA’s annual meeting in May.
Gold-Headed Cane Award
In a long-standing maritime tradition, the MSC Shannon III became the first ocean-going vessel of 2025 to cross the Port of Montreal’s downstream limit at Sorel without a stopover, earning the Gold-Headed Cane award. The vessel, which departed from Le Havre, France on December 20, 2024, carried a variety of goods, including medical and pharmaceutical equipment, food, and automotive products. After completing its journey at the Port of Montreal’s Berth 67, it departed on January 7 for London, carrying exports from local companies in line with the port’s balanced trade model.
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Source: Port de Montreal
