The Port of Montreal has continued its upward cargo momentum coming within one per cent of matching its container record of nearly 1.5 million TEU in 2015, the American Journal of Transportation reported.

"According to preliminary statistics, the Port of Montreal handled 35.2 million tonnes of freight in 2016," said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. "This corresponds to an increase of more than 10 per cent."

Large increases in liquid bulk and grain shipments also boosted total throughput.

The 2016 performance was outlined at the traditional annual ceremony marking the arrival of the first ocean-going vessel to enter the port in the new year. The vessel was the 19,986- dwt Chem Sirius, a chemical tanker operated by Ace Tankers and flying the Liberian flag which had left Antwerp on December 19. The vessel's captain was awarded Montreal's 178th Gold-Headed Cane.