Launch ceremony signals the commencement of container service, with a goal to increase supply chain capacity in Southern Ontario
HAMILTON, ON – In a significant step forward for southern Ontario importers and exporters, Hamilton Container Terminal (HCT), in collaboration with Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports), and Canadian National Railway (CN), proudly announces the creation of a direct intermodal rail service between Hamilton, ON and Montreal, QC. The inaugural Hamilton-Montreal intermodal freight train, carrying export-bound shipping containers, successfully completed its journey and is set to transition into a regular weekly service. The partners expect to gradually increase volumes through the new terminal, pending Canadian Border Services Agency approval for bonded movements.
New service for importers and exporters
The new rail transload terminal is located at Pier 18 on Hamilton’s Bayfront, operated by the Hamilton Container Terminal (HCT). The partners aim to use the new terminal to increase supply chain capacity in southern Ontario, reduce truck movements as well as reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Canada’s railways are key to addressing climate change, with a significantly lower GHG profile for container movements relative to road transportation. With approximately 20% southern Ontario-bound containers from Canadian ports destined for the Hamilton region, businesses can now enjoy a cost effective alternative closer to home. The improvement in GHG emissions is accompanied by a significant reduction in complexity, logistics, and cost, assisting GTHA exporters’ competitiveness on the global stage.
QUOTES:
“It is Hamilton Container Terminal’s (HCT) mission to connect our region with all Canadian gateway ports. Transferring containers in close proximity to the customer contributes to a more efficient transportation network. Our first trial, establishing HCT as an intermodal hub within the CN rail network, for container movements to and from this area, is a significant step toward achieving this goal. Once established, we will be saving at least 200 truck movements per day from our local highways. This amounts to approximately 70,000 tons of reduced carbon emissions annually.”
Amandeep Kaloti, CEO, Hamilton Container Terminal, a Sunrise-Group Company
“We are focused on practical solutions to enhance supply chains in southern Ontario. By taking a regional perspective on goods movement, we can help to optimize shipments according to the best mode; in this case, keeping containers on rails longer, reducing the truck kilometers associated with shipments.”
Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports
“The GTHA is Canada’s most populous and economically dynamic region. The partners recognize the need to build supply chain capacity now, as the regional economy continues to grow, with congestion already a strain on southern Ontario highways. At CN, we consistently seek opportunities to enhance the capacity of our network. The HCT Rail Terminal represents an opportunity to meet the needs of the growing Greater Toronto-Hamilton market.”
Doug MacDonald, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer at CN
“Hamilton’s reputation as a logistics leader in Canada has grown exponentially over the past few decades. Home to the busiest overnight express cargo airport and the busiest port on the Canadian Great Lakes, Hamilton has increased its capacity to connect to the world through this investment. Whether by road, rail, air or port, quite simply business ‘moves here’. The Hamilton Container Terminal plays a crucial role in connecting and strengthening industrial and commercial supply chains and no doubt makes Hamilton a vital city in the national network. Hamilton thanks them for their investment today.” Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.
Mayor Andrea Horwath, City of Hamilton
Media Assets can be found HERE
Password (case sensitive): HOPAHCT
Photo credit: HOPA Ports
For HCT Media inquiries, please contact:
Ralph Deketele
VP, Sunrise Group
[email protected]
For HOPA Ports Media inquiries, please contact:
Larissa Fenn
VP, Corporate Affairs
[email protected]
About Sunrise Group
Sunrise Group is a family based collective of associated companies, operating across multiple sectors, with a focus on the seamless integration of logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions. A cornerstone of Sunrise Group’s diverse operations is Hamilton Container Terminal Inc (HCT), a venture that significantly enhances the group’s logistics and transportation capabilities. Established to address the need for an intermodal terminal in the Hamilton region, HCT serves as a strategic hub, bridging the gap in ocean container logistics previously concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area. This facility not only bolsters the group’s logistic network but also demonstrates its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. HCT is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers a comprehensive range of services including container storage, maintenance, and repair, underscoring the group’s dedication to providing holistic and efficient logistics solutions. The establishment and successful operation of HCT reflect Sunrise Group’s strategic foresight and adaptability in the dynamic world of global trade and logistics.
About HOPA Ports
As an integrated port network, the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) offers port and marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, HOPA helps build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. Overseeing more than 1,400 acres and more than 160 tenant companies, 40,000 Ontario jobs are connected to the cargo that passes through HOPA’s integrated ports.
About CN Rail
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN’s network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
CN Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation ReformAct of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Reference should be made to Management’s Discussion and Analysis in CN’s annualand interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators and available on CN’s website, for a description of major risk factors.
