UN/LOCODE: CAMTR📍 Canada

Port of Montreal (UN/LOCODE CAMTR)

❖ Coordinates: 45.5017°N, -73.5673°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Toronto

❖ UN/LOCODE: CAMTR

## About the Port The Port of Montreal (UN/LOCODE: CAMTR) is one of North America's most vital inland ports, strategically located in Quebec, Canada. Situated at coordinates 45.5016889° N, 73.567256° W, it operates within the America/Toronto timezone and serves as a critical maritime gateway on the Saint Lawrence River. As the oldest port on the continent, Montreal's location—connected to the Great Lakes system and the Atlantic Ocean—makes it a linchpin for international trade. The port handles over 35 million tonnes of cargo annually, ranking among the top five ports in North America for container traffic. Its access to both domestic and global supply chains underscores its role in facilitating economic exchange between Canada and the United States. ## History The Port of Montreal's origins trace back to 1677, when French settlers first established it as a trading post. By the 18th century, it had become a hub for fur trading and military operations, leveraging its position on the Saint Lawrence River. Industrialization in the 19th century expanded its infrastructure, with the construction of the Lachine Canal in 1825 enabling ships to bypass the river's rapids. A pivotal moment came in 1959 with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which allowed oceangoing vessels to navigate inland to Montreal, transforming it into a year-round international port. Throughout the 20th century, the port modernized its facilities, embracing containerization and intermodal logistics to meet evolving trade demands. Today, it retains its historical legacy while adapting to cutting-edge maritime technologies. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Montreal's port infrastructure spans 27 terminals across 85 kilometers of shoreline, equipped to handle diverse cargo types. The Contrecoeur Terminal, operational since 2019, significantly boosts container capacity, while specialized facilities manage bulk cargo, including grain elevators and liquid bulk terminals. The port features advanced gantry cranes, automated stacking systems, and deep-water berths capable of accommodating Panamax-class vessels. Intermodal connections are seamless, with direct access to Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CP) rail networks, as well as major highway systems. The port's cold-chain logistics capabilities support perishable goods, and its customs bonded warehouses streamline cross-border trade. Environmental initiatives, such as shore power installations and hybrid-electric equipment, underscore its commitment to sustainable operations. ## Economic Importance The Port of Montreal generates an estimated CAD 1.8 billion annually, contributing approximately CAD 6.4 billion to Quebec's GDP and supporting 32,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Its strategic role as a trade gateway enables the movement of goods worth over CAD 30 billion yearly, linking Canadian manufacturers and agribusinesses to global markets. The port serves as a critical node for U.S.-Canada bilateral trade, particularly in sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Its economic ripple effect extends regionally, with industries and logistics providers clustering around its facilities. Government partnerships, such as the Canada Infrastructure Bank project, further cement its status as a cornerstone of Quebec's economic development. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Montreal's trade routes are anchored by the Saint Lawrence River and the St. Lawrence Seaway, providing direct maritime access from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes. Key trade partners include the United States (via the Great Lakes), Europe, and Asia. Container traffic dominates, with over 1.8 million TEUs processed annually, serving major shipping lines like MSC and CMA CGM. Bulk cargo—particularly iron ore, grain, and petroleum products—flows through dedicated terminals, while the port is a leading automotive hub in Eastern Canada, handling over 750,000 vehicles yearly. Intermodal freight corridors connect Montreal to inland North America via rail and truck, ensuring efficient distribution. Its position as a transshipment hub for smaller ports enhances its role in global supply chains. Learn more about the port's operations↗ from its official website.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CAMTR

Country

Canada

Province / Region

Quebec

Latitude

45.501689

Longitude

-73.567256

Timezone

America/Toronto

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Montreal?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Montreal is CAMTR.

Where is Port of Montreal located?

The Port of Montreal is located in Canada, Quebec. Its coordinates are 45.5017°N, -73.5673°E.

What time zone is Port of Montreal in?

Port of Montreal operates in the America/Toronto time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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