“During the Quebec Maritime Sector Conference scheduled for May 14 and 15 and organized by the Saint-Laurent Economic Development Corporation (SODES), the theme of social acceptability will be addressed. Let us remember that this meeting allows us to discuss ways of reconciling expectations and needs, but also of seizing business opportunities based on certain subjects,” immediately points out the CEO of SODES, Mathieu St-Pierre. .
Mathieu St-Pierre, CEO of SODES (FREDPHOTOGRAPHE.COM)
Whether it concerns greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, visual and noise pollution or even economic development, local communities – particularly those located alongside them – are at the heart of maritime sector operations. When it comes to social acceptability, we immediately think of the environment. But both decarbonization and the protection of biodiversity and accessibility to the river challenge elected officials and citizens.
“In Quebec, for example, we observe this desire to promote access to the river, among others with the Samuel-De Champlain promenade and the Oasis du Port de Québec,” illustrates the CEO. Through its Vision 2035, the Port of Quebec has clearly expressed its desire to ”be close to the world” and intends to become a reference in terms of community engagement.”
New technologies in support
In this chapter, let us point out that in the port area of Trois-Rivières, sensors have been installed and make it possible to follow the route of a truck from its arrival until it leaves the perimeter. In the city center, traffic lights are synchronized so that each heavy truck stops as little as possible, reducing fuel consumption, GHGs, noise, visual pollution and the risk of collisions with pedestrians and cars.
New technologies are also used during public consultations. Given their geographic location, the issues that concern the communities of Gaspé and Cacouna, for example, are not the same. By relying on artificial intelligence (AI) and because the territory is vast, the Société portuaire du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Gaspésie ensures that it has the pulse of the population in the interests of representativeness and of fairness.
Citizens’ desire to better understand how maritime and port operations work is also growing. In Saguenay and Sept-Îles, the Enviro-Actions initiative aims to collect environmental data related to these activities and make it accessible to decision-makers. They can then take the right actions at the right time with regard to the protection of ecosystems or in the event of an incident/accident.
Labor and sustainable mobility
If digitalization and AI are present in all spheres affecting social acceptability and relations with communities, they are also investing in the field of continuing education. The workforce associated with the maritime sector must be able to acquire the knowledge and skills required to successfully integrate current technological changes. During the Conference, an announcement will also be made to this effect.
“In the current context, it is also crucial that all the players involved in the movement of goods have a vision of the right mode of transport at the right time,” concludes Mr. St-Pierre. Here again, AI makes it possible to determine the best route for the client taking into account ESG principles – environmental, social and governance. By doing so, we can significantly mitigate the impacts on local populations.”
Interview and writing: Johanne Martin
