SIMIC

Michele Labrut | Nov 26, 2021

The call came in the shape the 1997-built, general cargoship, Happy Rover, chartered by freight forwarder Fracht FWO, and stacked with containers.

The Happy Rover called at Racine Terminal, operated by Montreal Gateways Terminal Partnership (MGTP), on 14 November. 

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For the first time in its history, the Port of Montreal has received a call from China without transhipment in the Mediterranean.

Widespread supply chain disruption and skyrocketing container rates have seen a number of new entrants into the market including forwarders and shippers. With a dearth of available container tonnage companies have also turned to other vessel types such as general cargoships and bulkers to carry containers.

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"The first direct maritime link, without transhipment, between Asia and the Port of Montreal demonstrates the fluidity of exchanges and the availability of our facilities in Montreal. The Port of Montreal is pleased to be able to count on the efficiency and strength of its key supply chain partners," said Guillaume Brossard, Vice-President, Growth and Development, Port of Montreal Authority.

Connected to more than 140 countries around the world, the Port of Montreal maintains growing trade relations with Asia, which today accounts for more than 30% of its volumes of handled goods that routinely pass through a transshipment in the Mediterranean.