After decades of economic stagnation, marked by a GDP that trailed that of other North American cities, Montréal is back on track for growth, characterized by a low unemployment rate, the kick-off of structuring projects, international business opportunities and a major bump in tourism. Essentially, the city is experiencing renewed economic vitality.
To support this restored growth, it is important to reinvest in strategic assets. With activities on the rise over the past four years – currently 146 national and international destinations, 16 more than in 2014 – Montréal-Trudeau airport needs facilities that reflect its potential.
The aviation fuel terminal project, a private investment of $150 million by the Montreal International Fuel Facilities Corporation (MIFFC), will increase efficiency and predictability in Montréal-Trudeau’s refuelling operations.
Currently, aviation fuel destined for Québec arrives through the Québec oil port and is then shipped to Montréal by road and rail. With the Montréal-Est terminal project, fuel will come directly to the city by ship, be stored in the east end of Montréal, and be transported to the airport via pipeline. In addition to increasing the safety of transporting aviation fuel to the city, the MIFFC will be able to more flexibly manage its supply by increasing its storage capacity by 160 million litres. A reduction in GHG emissions of 15% is also expected with the reduction in shipping by truck and train.
The project will also re-establish the value of unused port land and facilities intended for this purpose.
A fuel storage project tends to raise legitimate concerns. But it is important to note the MIFFC’s collaborative, transparent approach since the project was launched. A project run according to the best engineering and safety practices should benefit from favourable bias.
download PDF (in French only)