Québec Marine Transportation Policy - Transport - Gouvernement ...

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All these changes will clearly have consequences for the ports of the Saint-Laurent and the
advent of super container carriers brings a significant challenge. But for ports upriver from the
Québec City bridges, they could be a major business opportunity as some ports in eastern
Québec have the necessary water depth to accommodate vessels of over 150,000 t, but none
currently has adequate surface facilities to handle container traffic. Important investments will
be necessary if this market is to develop. Care must also be taken not to negatively impact the
port of Montréal.
2.2 Competitiveness of transportation on the Saint-Laurent
The costs and services offered to maritime carriers by public and
private operators are a determining factor in the competitiveness
of the Saint-Laurent over other routes. The costs associated with
navigation on the Saint-Laurent have to be kept competitive as
users constantly compare these costs with those of other routes.
Cargo ships engaged in cabotage in particular are more directly
affected by cost increases. In addition, because the 25% customs
duty imposed by the federal government and the subsidies
available to foreign shipyards have an effect on the competitiveness
of local shipyards, the cost of acquiring new vessels
from Québec shipbuilders is significantly higher. Care must be
taken, therefore, to control and improve fee structures to
ensure the Saint-Laurent is as cost-effective as possible and
guarantee a prosperous future for the river, both in Québec
and at the international level.
The lack of competitiveness of the Saint-Laurent is one of the main reasons for the decreasing
level of maritime transport in Québec. The rapid increase of navigation and dredging-related fees
imposed by the federal government has had a negative impact on river users. These additional
costs, which represent almost $25 million, are shared
The lack of competitiveness
of the Saint-Laurent
is one of the main reasons
for the decreasing level
of maritime transport
in Québec
amongst all users. The increase in price for the use of locks
has also had a direct impact on the competitiveness of the
Saint-Laurent and, therefore, bulk ore traffic from the
Saint-Laurent to the Great Lakes has fallen in comparison
with Minnesota cargo loaded on Lake Superior.
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