General cargo vessel arrived from China in Montreal
For the first time in its fifty-year history, Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership, a premier terminal operator at the Port of Montreal, joined efforts with Fracht FWO Inc., an international Freight Forwarder with strong presence in North America, to receive a cargo vessel originating directly from China.
“The first direct shipping link, without transshipment, between Asia and the Port of Montreal demonstrates the fluidity of the trade and the availability of our installations in Montreal. The Port of Montreal is pleased to be able to count on the efficiency and strength of its key partners in the supply chain. As a strategic asset, our primary role is to ensure optimal service for the benefit of North American businesses and citizens. Our partners MGTP’s responsiveness and creativity contribute significantly to our ability to fulfill our essential role at the heart of society.” – Guillaume Brossard, Vice-President, Growth and Development, Montreal Port Authority.
With vessel capacity a growing challenge throughout the supply chain this year, Fracht FWO Inc. with headquarters in Houston, Texas and in partnership with Fracht Canada Freight Inc., enthusiastically reached out to Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership earlier this year to evaluate the option of moving their customers freight through Montreal to accommodate the growing consumer needs.
“Times have been challenging for many of our customers who face disruptions in the global shipping market. This solution has been truly ‘out of the box’ and we appreciate the cooperation, responsiveness and support MGTP has offered to work with us and receive this special vessel at their terminal in Montreal. It has helped us put this solution together and help ship a tremendous amount of cargo on one vessel during these difficult times” says Benjamin Liewald BM/ Executive VP Projects.
This General cargo vessel the “Happy Rover” specializing in heavy lift cargo and measuring 138.04 meters in length and 22.94 meters wide, left Taicang, China September 29th and moved through the Panama Canal on October 29th, after making one port call in Busan Korea. Under the command of Capt. P.H.S.T Blok of Biglift Shipping B.V., She arrived safely in Montreal 46 days later, on November 14th.
The units discharged have been quickly routed by truck inland. After a one-day port stay, the Happy Rover, still under charter agreement with Fracht FWO Inc, continues her voyage to Cleveland with a final destination of Thunder Bay.
Michael Fratianni, President/ CEO of Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership comments about this collaboration –
“MGT is particularly proud to have teamed up with Fracht in making history. We are also pleased that the unloading of the first ever direct Asia call to Montreal was handled seamlessly and safely. We are grateful that Fracht opted to partner with MGT to provide a unique solution to its customers during these unprecedented times of supply chain disruptions.”
Seals: Both full exports and empty containers are required to be affixed with a seal, prior to terminal gate entry, for which the number must be provided to the trucking agent at the time of the ticket transaction. Effective this date, seals will no longer be provided by the Terminals of MGTP.
Export Hazardous Cargo: Placards appropriate to the dangerous goods being carried, must be visible on the container prior to terminal gate entry. All other placards, not pertaining to the goods, must also be removed. This applies to empty returns, as well.