A well-planned environmental impact assessment, rigorous environmental compliance, and proactive environmental practices can serve to enhance a port’s competitive advantage – whether for the establishment of new facilities or for ongoing operations. Some Ports lead the way by monitoring emerging trends and by adapting corresponding innovations in areas such as climate adaptation/resiliency planning and use of smart building technologies to improve energy efficiencies.

Port authorities often appoint a dedicated environmental manager to provide oversight for sustainable marine infrastructure development and operations. However, in order to keep current and to help address complex challenges, this Port Manager typically works in tandem with an ever-wider range of external specialists (e.g., atmospheric modelling, hydraulic modelling, environmentally-friendly vessel enhancements, measuring dust mitigation related to bulk materials loading and transporting). Post-project monitoring must also be adequate to ensure that all valued ecosystem components are adequately protected or otherwise mitigated.

Valérie Tremblay, MSc. Biology, Project Manager, AECOM
Valérie Tremblay is an Aquatic Biologist in AECOM's Trois-Rivières office. With over 15 years of experience, she leads the company's aquatic studies group in Quebec. She had worked on a wide variety of projects for both private and public ports and related marine infrastructure.

Christen Audet, F. Eng., PhD (Env.), EP (CEA), Federal Account Lead, AECOM
Christen Audet has 26 years of consulting experience and is a Client Account Manager for Canada Federal Services on the AECOM national government team. He is responsible for Parks Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada accounts across Canada and also provides oversight and support for all other AECOM federal accounts in Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia).

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is an autonomous federal agency created under the terms of the Canada Marine Act. The MPA is one of Montreal’s main economic engines, welcoming more than 2,000 ships annually, generating $1.5 billion annually for the Canadian economy and creating more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs.

On November 25, 2014, the MPA’s Board of Directors approved an infrastructure management policy. This policy represents an engagement on the part of the MPA to ensure consistency between marine sector activities, infrastructure maintenance and the MPA’s mission. The electric networks, railways, wharves, buildings as well as the roadways and water and sewer networks are all subject to this policy.

The presentation will first provide a detailed look at the recommended approach and the steps taken by the MPA in the implementation of this policy as well as the benefits associated with port operations in achieving the MPA’s strategic objectives. The presentation will focus on the 9 necessary steps in achieving the objectives: the infrastructure maintenance policy, infrastructure knowledge, the approach used in developing procedures and directives, infrastructure compliance verification, the identification of targets and improvements, the development of key performance indicators, the importance of reporting, the inspection processes and process review.

The second part of this presentation will address the 6 themes of the ISO - 55000 standard. It will be shown how they serve as a reference in the implementation of an IMS and how they can be used in the marine and port sectors.

David D’Amboise, Eng., Infrastructure Management Director, Montreal Port Authority
Bilingual mechanical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in leading multidisciplinary teams in the energy, construction and consultation sectors. Focused on results, Mr. D’Ambroise is known for his leadership, his engagement, his communication skills, his never-ending search for ongoing improvement as well as his ability for coaching and developing high-performing teams.

His experience has enabled him to develop a big-picture vision, solid project management skills and an excellent understanding of the issues in the field of construction, allowing him to develop and implement efficient strategies.

Bernard Gaudreault, MIAM, President and Senior Asset Management Leader, Planifika
Bernard Gaudreault has 18 years of experience in asset management. He is a strategic and determined manager, recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, his leadership and creativity. Mr. Gaudreault specializes in developing and implementing efficient asset management strategies and plans. He also accompanies his clients in the management of organizational changes and offers personalized coaching to leaders who will be required to be this change in the implementation of an asset management system. Before co-founding Planifika 2005, he held several strategic positions at a firm specialized in municipal asset management. He has also been at the helm of a professional services firm employing more than 180 people spread out across Quebec. Mr. Gaudreault is a member of the Institute of Asset Management board of directors in Canada where he serves Quebec’s interests and promotes asset management knowledge and good practices. He is one of the founding members who created the Canadian chapter of IAM. In Edinburgh in June 2016, he was elected to sit as the first Canadian on the IAM’s head office board of directors in England. Mr. Gaudreault holds a certificate in Leading Professional Service Firms from Harvard University, and a B.A. in business administration from Laval University.