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The Port of Montreal is proceeding with plans to develop a new 510,000 TEU per annum container terminal, which is set to be a further boost to bunker sales volumes at Canada's largest container port.

Engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol has announced that it has been selected by the Montreal Port Authority to prepare the detailed development plan, complete preliminary engineering and develop contracting strategies for the construction of the new Hochelaga-Viau container terminal, and re-development of the Laurier-Tarte break-bulk terminal. The mandate is related to Phase two of the Port of Montreal's Vision 2020 strategic plan.

Moffatt & Nichol, through its Vancouver office, completed the Port's Ten Year Master Plan in 2007 and concept plans for the Hochelaga-Viau container terminal in 2008.

This new four phase contract will comprise developing and expanding concept plans into a comprehensive integrated master plan, which will rely on planning and simulation models developed by Moffatt & Nichol earlier when preparing the Port's Ten Year Master Plan.

The firm will then collect and prepare primary data, studies, drawings, specifications, budgets, schedules and contracting strategies to develop the many facets of the project which will include container, liquid bulk, dry bulk and break-bulk facilities. The centerpiece will be the new 510,000 TEU per annum Hochelaga-Viau container terminal.

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) operates the world's largest inland port. It is a leader among container ports, handling 26 million tonnes of cargo annually. In 2008, the Port of Montreal handled more than 1,473,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

The Port of Montreal operates its own rail network, providing direct access to berths, and is linked to two major railways and a highway system. It also operates a grain terminal and a marine passenger terminal. All other terminals are operated by private stevedoring firms.