Montreal Open to Post-Panamaxers

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has authorized the passage of vessels up to 44 meters/144.4 feet wide along the Quebec-Montreal section of the St. Lawrence navigation channel. The previous authorized width was 32.1 meters/105.3 feet without restrictions. The Coast Guard’s decision means that post-Panamax size ships, including 6,000-TEU container ships, will be permitted to navigate upriver to the Port of Montreal. 

The CCG acted based on the findings of a study commissioned by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and conducted jointly with Transport Canada, the CCG, the Laurentian Pilotage Authority and the Corporation of Central St. Lawrence Pilots. 

"Shipping lines, no matter what type of cargo they carry, will be able to substantially increase capacity on their services to Montreal, which will inevitably lead to benefits for the port’s broad customer base," said Sylvie Vachon, the MPA’s president and chief executive officer. 

American Association of Port Authorities
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