The Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, has announced $8.7 million for the development of four intelligent marine transportation system projects. This financial assistance stems from the implementation of the Intelligent Economic Corridor of Avantage Saint-Laurent, Quebec’s maritime vision.
The Quebec government is granting $4.8 million to Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT) for its Mercure project. MGT will use artificial intelligence to increase the storage capacity of two terminals it operates at the Port of Montréal. This solution will replace the manual planning of container movements and ensure their traceability. The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9,200 tonnes annually.
An amount of $2.7 million has been allocated to The CSL Group for the development and implementation of a collaborative learning model to optimise vessel voyages, estimated arrival times and fuel consumption. This model will take the form of an artificial intelligence algorithm to which the Quebec company Vooban will contribute. The project will help reduce the environmental footprint of Quebec’s maritime transport while improving its competitiveness.
A $750,000 grant has also been awarded to the Société de développement économique du Saint-Laurent (SODES). This major investment will allow an opportunity study to be conducted. This is the first step in setting up a data-sharing platform for maritime transport organisations. This will contribute to the deployment of cutting-edge collaborative technologies that will make the river safer and more competitive, while allowing it to preserve its exceptional natural value.
Minister Guilbault also announced an investment of $478,220 for the Laurentian Pilotage Authority to support the development and implementation of Phase 3 of its optimized pilotage services project. This project, which takes the form of a software application, will indicate to shipping companies and ship owners the optimal times and trajectories for uninterrupted navigation on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers. Based on artificial intelligence, the initiative will benefit all ships in transit between Les Escoumins and Montreal by ensuring uninterrupted passage at lower fuel consumption and lower cost.
(Photo Louis Rhéaume)
