Port of Hamilton Forecasts more Grain Movements to Boost Overseas Traffic
March 31, 2011 Hamilton, ON – The Canfornav vessel MV Brant will be officially welcomed into the Port of Hamilton today as the first overseas vessel arrival for the 2011 shipping and navigation season, following its docking at Richardson International Limited at Pier 25 where it will load grain for export to Europe. The Hamilton Port Authority will greet Captain Mykhaylo Palchyk aboard the ship at 12:00 pm today.
Higher than average grain movements are forecast for the 2011 navigation season due to carryover from the 2010 crop. Seaway System traffic flows complement the Hamilton grain trade well with both domestic laker and ocean going project fleets carrying export grain from our region. Canfornav is a great partner of the Port of Hamilton and their salty’s (international vessels) are frequent callers in Hamilton linking Southern Ontario to the world.
Hamilton is emerging as a key port for agricultural handling in Ontario and has grown its terminal capacity dramatically in recent years. Hamilton’s strategic location and ability to connect marine, truck and rail is helping drive cost out of supply chains making Ontario products more competitive in international markets. Hamilton is also growing as a centre for food processing with a number of major companies including Canada Bread and Tim Hortons building plants in the city.
Last year, Richardson experienced a 38% spike in tonnage over the Hamilton terminal's previous high in 2006. The exceptional Ontario yield and crop quality last year, combined with drought and flooding conditions in several global regions, created opportunities for Eastern Canada to serve additional export markets not normally open to commodities originating in Ontario. "Richardson's success illustrates its ability to adapt to market conditions and take advantage of opportunities created by market forces," said HPA president and CEO Bruce Wood.
"We are proud to have grown our business in Eastern Canada in partnership with the Port of Hamilton," said Richardson International president Curt Vossen. "We have developed a strong export business that is benefiting the port and producers in Southern Ontario, giving them improved access to world markets." Overseas traffic is critical to supporting growth of both import and export cargo volumes.
About Richardson International
Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Richardson International Limited is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds and has held a significant presence in the port for more than a decade. Their Ontario regional headquarters are located in Hamilton adjacent to the port terminal.
About the Port of Hamilton
The Port of Hamilton is the largest Canadian port on the Great Lakes in terms of both size and cargo handled. The Hamilton Port Authority’s strategic vision is to be the Great Lakes port of choice.
