Year-round, we're the most direct, most profitable route between North America's industrial heartland and the Northern European and Mediterranean markets. As the premier gateway to North America's industrial heartland, the Greater Montreal Region is a cosmopolitan centre with a population of more than three million people. Renowned for its manufacturing sector, wide range of services and expertise in high technology, it is also an international financial and banking centre.

Montreal is also one of the busiest inland ports in the world and a key transfer point for transatlantic cargo. Along with its port, the metropolis has railway and highway networks leading to all parts of North America. Montreal is also one of the main cruise attractions on the St. Lawrence River and the North American East Coast.

Linked to more than 100 countries around the world by many reputable shipping lines, the Port of Montreal is located on one of the largest navigable waterways in the world – the majestic St. Lawrence River – and offers the shortest route between major European and Mediterranean ports and North American markets. Situated 1,600 kilometres inland from the Atlantic, it is the international port closest to North America's industrial heartland, representing a hinterland of some 100 million Canadian and American consumers.

Of all the ports along the North American East Coast, Montreal is the one that offers, year-round, the fastest, most direct and most economical access to major markets in Central Canada, the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Northeast. Ships need only stop at one port - Montreal – to access these vast markets. Nearly all shipping lines offering regular service to the Port of Montreal fully unload and load their vessels here, offering considerable savings in time and money. Transatlantic, rail and road links interconnect to shorten distances and reduce door-to-door cargo transportation costs.

A leader among container ports serving the North Atlantic, every year the Port of Montreal handles more than 20 million tonnes of highly-diversified cargo: containerized and non-containerized general cargo, grain and other dry bulk, petroleum and other liquid bulk products. Its export and import container traffic is such that it fosters economies of scale, allowing shipping lines to offer regular, high-frequency services which are particularly appreciated by companies requiring just-in-time delivery.

The Port of Montreal is one of the safest international ports in the world. Over the past few years, several million dollars have been invested in cutting-edge technology and the implementation of various measures to increase security on port territory.

Economic impact
In addition to facilitating exports and supplying industry with all types of raw materials and finished products, the Port of Montreal creates close to 18,000 direct and indirect jobs, and generates business revenues of almost $2 billion annually.