Sorel-Tracy, QC – QSL, a world-class company specializing in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America, and anchored in the Sorel-Tracy region for over 30 years, inaugurated on September 14 the brand new facilities of its multimodal handling terminal in the Sorel-Tracy IP Zone, in the Saint-Laurent sector.
These facilities mark the completion of phase 1 of the implementation of a future marine terminal for fertilizers, road salt and general cargo, a project that is at the heart of QSL’s commitment to sustainable development. The terminal was built on the site of the former Hydro-Québec thermal power plant, which was dismantled with a view to upgrading the facilities of the future port terminal. This project, in partnership with the City of Sorel-Tracy, is of a highly strategic nature, given its geographic location and multimodal nature.
“The work, which began last May, was carried out efficiently thanks to the commitment and know-how of our suppliers in the region, our partners from the City of Sorel-Tracy and our entire team. That’s the QSL way: we always make it a point to conduct our business in concert with the communities in which we operate,” said Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL.
Phase 1 of the terminal project represents an investment of $10 million and has allowed QSL to inject a significant portion of this money back into the local economy by enlisting the expertise of local partners. As of this week, the warehouse will be able to accommodate up to 50,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for use by local farmers.
The second phase of the project, which is in the pre-engineering stage, consists of the installation of a floating dock structure from which material will be unloaded from ships and transported directly to the warehouse via an electric conveyor assembly or stored at other locations, depending on the cargo handled.
In total, the two phases of the project represent investments of $20 million over five years and the creation of 40 jobs. These jobs are in addition to the 115 employees already working to ensure the success of QSL’s port activities in the region, and reflect the company’s commitment to its socio-economic development.
On our cover photo, from left to right, Ivan Boileau, Executive Vice President Strategic Partnerships and Infrastructure, QSL, Robert Bellisle, President and CEO, QSL, Serge Péloquin, Mayor of Sorel-Tracy, Claudine Couture-Trudel, Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs, QSL
