The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has reported 2007 net earnings of C$8.4 million (US$8.25 million), marking the 28th year in a row of net profits. Revenues rose 4.1 per cent compared to 2006, reaching C$6 million.
The MPA also saw a 9.4 per cent increase in containerised cargo to handle a total of 1,363,021 TEU, and a 3.6 per cent year on year increase in total volume, which rose to 26 million tonnes.
Authorities predict the volume of containerised cargo will continue to grow in the coming years. Patrice Pelletier, president and CEO of the MPA said, "All indicators show that marine container traffic on the east coast of North America will grow annually by 7 per cent till 2015."
Liquid bulk cargo rose 1.7 per cent to 7.9 million tonnes due to high volumes in ethanol, as well as increases in diesel and hydrocarbon traffic.
Traffic in dry bulk decreased 2.1 per cent to reach 5.5 million tonnes in 2007. The lower volume was mainly due to a softening in marine grain traffic, a statement from port authorities said.
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