For the first time in its fifty-year history, Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership, the largest terminal operator at the Port of Montreal, joined efforts with Fracht FWO Inc., an international freight forwarder with a strong presence in North America, to receive a cargo vessel originating directly from Asia..
“MGT is particularly proud to have teamed up with Fracht in making history,” said Michael Fratianni, President and CEO of MGTP. “We are also pleased that the unloading of the first ever direct Asia call to Montreal was handled seamlessly and safely. We are grateful that Fracht opted to partner with MGT to provide a unique solution to its customers during these unprecedented times of supply chain disruptions.”
Guillaume Brossard, Vice-President, Growth and Development, Montreal Port Authority, declared: “The first direct shipping link, without transshipment, between Asia and the Port of Montreal demonstrates the fluidity of the trade and the availability of our installations in Montreal. The Port of Montreal is pleased to be able to count on the efficiency and strength of its key partners in the supply chain. As a strategic asset, our primary role is to ensure optimal service for the benefit of North American businesses and citizens. Our partners MGTP’s responsiveness and creativity contribute significantly to our ability to fulfill our essential role at the heart of society.”
With vessel capacity a growing challenge throughout the supply chain, Fracht FWO Inc. with headquarters in Houston, Texas and in partnership with Fracht Canada Freight Inc., enthusiastically reached out to MGTP earlier this year to evaluate the option of moving their customers freight through Montreal to accommodate mounting consumer needs.
In this regard, Fracht FWO officials remarked: “Times have been challenging for many of our customers who face disruptions in the global shipping market. This solution has been truly ‘out of the box’ and we appreciate the cooperation, responsiveness and support MGTP has offered to work with us and receive this special vessel at their terminal in Montreal. It has helped us put this solution together and help ship a tremendous amount of cargo on one vessel during these difficult times.”
The Biglift Shipping vessel Happy Rover specializing in heavy lift cargo and measuring 138.04 meters in length and 22.94 meters wide, left Taicang, China September 29th and moved through the Panama Canal on October 29th, after making one port call in Busan Korea. Under the command of Capt. P.H.S.T Blok, the ship arrived safely in Montreal 46 days later, on November 14th, docking at the Racine terminal of MGTP (per photo by Sonia Martini)
The units discharged were quickly routed by truck inland. After a one day port stay, the Happy Rover, still under charter agreement with Fracht FWO Inc, continued its voyage to Thunder Bay with final destination at Cleveland.
