May 5 - Oversized project cargo including Molson fermentation tanks, windmill blades and pressure vessels is cited by the Port of Hamilton as helping a cargo diversification programme aimed at doubling the volume of non-steel related commodities moving th

The port projects it will surpass the four million tonne mark in non-steel cargo by 2020.

A 2008 strategic plan developed by the Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) targeted CAD500 million in infrastructure investments and improvements to the port to reach that goal. At a recent HPA general meeting, directors announced that 2010 saw the port surpass projected development growth. In fact, 47 percent of investments outlined in the strategic plan are now completed, committed or in negotiation.

Road, rail, building and security improvements have now been completed port-wide. "Development in the past year has created new capacity and elevated the port across the country and internationally, benefiting business across Hamilton and the broader region," said HPA president and CEO Bruce Wood.

The port says that its strategic location and multimodal capability including marine, truck and rail, provide a sustainable system of moving a variety of commodities in the dry, liquid bulk and project cargo sectors.