Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership and Fracht FWO Inc. partner on cargo vessel from China to Canada

“The first direct shipping link, without transshipment, between Asia and the Port of Montreal demonstrates the fluidity of the trade and the availability of 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 partner MGTP’s responsiveness and creativity contributes significantly to our ability to fulfill our essential role at the heart of society,” said

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., 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 in Thunder Bay.

Michael Fratianni, President and CEO of Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership commented 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.”