Sustainable development actions
Our actions and measures for a green and blue future:
Improve air quality
Carbon neutrality
The Port of Montreal sets course for carbon neutrality in 2035. Through this commitment, scopes 1, 2 and 3 absolute GHG emissions, for which the MPA is fully responsible, will be reduced by 55% by 2030. Scope 3 absolute GHG emissions, for which the MPA is not fully responsible, will be reduced by 40% by 2040. To achieve these objectives, a range of measures will be implemented or scaled up. This involves adopting new energy practices, and includes shore power and the use of sustainable fuels, along with the reduction of emissions from trucks and port trains.
The MPA sets course for carbon neutrality in 2035 (press release)
Dockside electrification
In 2017, the MPA implemented an electrical power system at its cruise terminal and shore power systems for wintering ships to provide cleaner energy during their stay. It lets cruise ships and wintering vessels turn off their engines while docked, while maintaining air conditioning, refrigeration, security systems and services for the duration of their stay (an average of 10 hours for cruise ships). This new technology reduces noise, vibration, smoke and GHG emissions from diesel engine combustion gases by approximately five tonnes of GHG emissions at each connection, and more than 2,500 tonnes each year.
A liquefied natural gas supply solution
In May 2017, the Port of Montreal started to provide dockside liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling by truck for commercial vessels. The number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations increased from four in 2017 to 30 in 2023. More than 175 LNG bunkering operations carried out in 6 years prevented more than 23,000 tonnes of GHG emissions.
GHG inventory
An inventory of GHGs and air contaminants throughout Port territory (Montreal and Contrecoeur) was carried out in 2010 and 2017 using the tool developed by Transport Canada for ports and licensed to Green Marine for its members. About ten terminal operators participated in this inventory, the results of which can be consulted in the annual sustainable development report. The intensity of the MPA's GHG emissions per tonne of cargo handled has been steadily decreasing for the past seven years. Since the control year 2007, it has decreased by 45%, an average of 4% per year.
Preserve green spaces
Protecting 30% of the territory
Planting of 3,000 trees within five years
The MPA pledged to plant 3,000 trees by 2027 to strengthen the canopy on Montreal territory as part of an initiative of the Greening Leaders Committee of Montreal, of which the MPA has been a member since 2018.
Grand Quay: 24,000 herbs, plants and flowers, and a waterfront par
After a massive makeover, the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal was inaugurated on June 3, 2018. Formerly known as Alexandra Pier, the site has been renovated and upgraded, with significant changes to its mission and its place at the heart of downtown Montreal. Developing the green roof and the park area made it possible to replace previously concrete and unvegetated surfaces with vegetated surfaces. It is noteworthy that the project to upgrade the MPA’s Grand Quay won the prestigious Corps Public award at the Gala Montréal durable. It was singled out for its positive impact in terms of sustainable development through its landscape planning, its shore power system and its approach to connecting with the community.
Promenade-Bellerive Park
Formerly owned by the Port of Montreal, Promenade-Bellerive Park was ceded to the city in 1964. Today, it is a vast 2.2-kilometre green space bordering the St. Lawrence River, featuring a bicycle path, a trail and views of the river and the Boucherville Islands.
Every year since 2011, MPA employees have taken part in the park’s shoreline cleanup, organized by Fednav as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
Boucherville islands
Few people know that the MPA administers Île Verte and eight islands in the Boucherville Islands. Five of these islands — Dufault, Lafontaine, Montbrun, Tourte Blanche and the Tailhandier tidal flats — have been the subject of an intensive fish habitat rehabilitation program. In all, more than 28 hectares of quality fish habitat have been developed to facilitate their spawning, movement and living conditions. In April 2019, the MPA committed to working with Environment and Climate Change Canada to designate these islands as a National Wildlife Area.
Protect wildlife
Several special-status species are found on Port of Montreal territory. Here are our actions to protect them.
The Copper Redhorse
The Copper Redhorse is the only species of fish that is unique to Quebec. It lives in the shallow grass beds around the archipelagos of the St. Lawrence River and in freshwater lakes such as Lake Saint-Pierre and Lake Saint-Louis. To offset the impact of the container terminal project in Contrecœur on its habitat, the MPA is considering, in particular, the implementation of a project to improve water quality in the Richelieu River watershed, the establishment of grass beds in the Contrecœur sector, participation in a research program on assisted reproduction and participation in an educational program on the Copper Redhorse for river users.
The Bank Swallow
The Bank Swallow is the smallest swallow in North America. Its nesting sites are protected. The MPA is involved in several projects to protect its habitat. In 2019 and 2020, together with the Grand Council of the Waban-Aki Nation, it built six artificial nesting boxes in concrete and sand in Contrecœur. These nesting boxes offer 1,200 burrows available for nesting. The swallows quickly took possession of the ‘condos’ offered to them. A nesting box for Bank Swallows was also installed at Section 110 in Montreal's east end in collaboration with the NPO priority intervention zone, known by its French acronym ZIP (for Zone d’Intervention Priorité), the Jacques-Cartier ZIP Committee.
Western Chorus Frog
The Western Chorus Frog is one of the smallest anuran species in Quebec. The species is rare and numbers are currently low. Studies conducted by government agencies since the 1990s have confirmed that it has lost nearly 90% of its historical range in the Montérégie region, where it was present in abundance in the 1950s. In developing its container terminal project in Contrecœur, the MPA took into account the Western Chorus Frog so as to ensure that activities would not encroach on its habitat. Though the developments will be located well away from its habitat, the MPA has planned to put in place several mitigation measures for preventive purposes.
The Peregrine Falcon
A bird of prey known for its fast flight, the peregrine falcon seeks high sites for nesting. Several nesting sites have been observed on structures in the Port of Montreal. To help protect the species, the MPA regularly monitors nesting and adapts its work schedules to minimize impacts.
The Least Bittern
The Least Bittern, the smallest heron in the Western Hemisphere, has a natural habitat in densely vegetated marshes. Nesting sites can be found on the Boucherville Islands, which are administered by the MPA. It is noteworthy that in April 2019, the MPA committed to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada to have these islands designated a National Wildlife Area.
The Purple Martin
Bats
Improve water quality
Hydrodynamic separators
To reduce the discharge of suspended solids and hydrocarbons into the river, 41 hydrodynamic separators acting as storm water treatment systems have been installed to date on MPA territory.
The Port financially supports the St. Lawrence Action Fund
This registered charity is dedicated to providing financial support for projects that promote the conservation of the ecosystems and biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River and its Gulf. The MPA selected four projects, to: preserve Purple Martin colonies; produce a wetland restoration and conservation plan; control common water reeds at the Lavaltrie marsh; develop the Important Bird Area (IBA) in the Îles de Contrecoeur National Wildlife Area.
Reclaim soils
Reduce the sources of pollution
GHG emissions
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Hybrid vehicles
The MPA’s vehicle fleet consists almost exclusively of hybrid vehicles.
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Next generation locomotives
The MPA’s locomotives have been replaced by Genset multi-generator locomotives that reduce GHG emissions by close to 30%.
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Trucking PORTal
The MPA developed a web and mobile application to optimize truck routes to and from Port of Montreal terminals and ultimately reduce the Port's environmental footprint. This tool displays real-time truck processing times on Port territory so that drivers and dispatchers can make informed choices about their route through the Port, better plan their route to the terminals, avoid traffic congestion and save time, all while reducing trucking-related greenhouse gases (GHGs). Since 2019, this tool has been enhanced and now uses artificial intelligence to provide predictive 24-hour truck wait times. An initial assessment of this initiative’s beneficial impacts is a six-minute reduction in the total processing time for trucks (from the time they entered the Port to the time they left), a drop of more than 200 tonnes of GHGs annually compared to 2018, despite an 8% growth in the number of trucks coming to the Port compared to 2018.
Find out more about the Trucking PORTal: Trucking PORTal.
Noise and light
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Installation of broadband (white noise) backup alarms
To reduce noise pollution caused by container handling activities, white noise alarms have replaced audible backup alarms for equipment on the terminals. The MPA has done the same with is service vehicles. Unlike traditional audible alarms, which emit a higher pitched noise level, white noise backup alarms use a broad frequency range. White noise backup alarms emit a softer sound to the ear that dissipates quickly. The sound is audible only in the safety zone, resulting in less noise while ensuring worker safety.
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Ban on noisy work and lighting in certain areas of the Port after 7 p.m.
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Noise level of handling equipment alarms set at the minimum safe level on terminals
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Optimization of lighting and reduction of light pollution on container terminals by requiring precise electrical technical specifications on lighting fixture components to ensure targeted lighting while maintaining safety
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Bio-based grease lubricants on the rail track in the Old Port to reduce the noise of rail convoys
Recycling and material recovery program
GET INVOLVED IN VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND SUPPORT OF SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Founding member of Green Marine
The Port of Montreal is involved in various committees and support of several environmental organizations, such as:
- United Nations Global Compact Network
- Montreal Climate Partnership
- ACPA ((Association of Canadian Port Authorities)
- Green Marine
- Good Neighbourhood Committee
- Corporate social responsibility group of CPEQ (Conseil Patronal de l’Environnement du Québec)
- NCC (Navigation Coordinating Committee)
- Stratégies Saint-Laurent Committee https://www.strategiessl.qc.ca/english
- Committee on the Integrated Management of Dredging and Sediments
- Îles-de-Contrecoeur National Wildlife Area (NWA) Important Bird Area (IBA) standing coordination committee
- Sustainable Development Committee of the MPA
- Jacques-Cartier ZIP (priority intervention zone) Committee
- Strategic Council of the Upper St. Lawrence/Greater Montreal Regional Round Table (RRT)
- Initiatives for the Future of Great Rivers
