MPA first adopted an asset management policy. The primary objective was to align its asset maintenance activities with its mission and strategic objectives. This turnaround has enabled us to establish ways of improving the quality of services offered to shipping lines and other users. Accurate knowledge of the condition of its facilities is crucial for the Port of Montreal, which must ensure maximum availability of its assets to meet the demands of maritime traffic.  

Indeed, the Port of Montreal is a commercial hub, responsible for ensuring a level of service in several modes of transport: maritime, rail and road.

Our team set out to guide the MPA along the path of internationally recognized asset management principles. Following an initial assessment based on IAM (Institute of Asset Management) criteria and ISO 55001, we observed that asset management practices are at the development and improvement stage.

The Port of Montreal’s infrastructures are diverse: roads, rails, buildings, lighting, docks, vehicles and rolling equipments. These infrastructures are used by different types of clients, each with different needs in terms of services.  

In addition to enabling a sustained method of knowledge and assistance in prioritizing infrastructure investments, this commitment to asset management integrates compliance with regulatory obligations, helps optimize the infrastructure life cycle, and fosters collaboration between the various stakeholders. A coherent, holistic approach to short- and long-term vision is a key to success for such critical infrastructure.

The mandate involved three phases. The first phase established a framework for implementing an asset management system in line with industry best practices (ISO 55001). This phase began with an assessment of asset management infrastructures and processes, including inspection and information gathering.  

The second phase involved structuring and collecting data on asset inventory and infrastructure condition. Norda Stelo helped the APM to carry out a complete assessment, using information from all asset families to build up an accurate picture of their physical condition. This facilitated the anticipation of investment needs and the identification of necessary corrective interventions.  

With the data collected, Norda Stelo helped APM define performance indicators and optimize the visualization of information. Our team worked to make the data accessible and understandable, thus promoting informed decision-making throughout the asset lifecycle.  

Phase 3 aims to roll out asset management across the organization. Key elements include a strategic asset management plan, asset management plans, and investment decision-making processes. At the same time, this phase addresses key aspects such as governance and organizational transformation, which support the integration of asset management practices. 

The success of this asset management mandate depends on the adoption and concrete implementation of the new targeted practices. 

Norda Stelo proposes a collaborative approach involving workshops and work sessions to define objectives and scope, and develop strategies and an implementation plan. As a result, improvements achieved in close collaboration with existing teams facilitate the introduction of new, sustainable practices within the organization.

Investing in such an asset management approach improves organizational performance by providing greater visibility across the entire infrastructure. This approach not only enables assets to be managed more efficiently but also enables the right investments to be made at the right time and in the right place. By implementing asset management optimization processes, we help the organization to ensure its long-term viability. In other words, this approach acts like a compass for a hiker, providing users with the means to make informed decisions and orient themselves with precision.

This project demonstrates the many benefits of a collaborative and ongoing asset management mandate, especially for a particularly diversified and extensive asset base.  

This structured approach to asset management provides greater control and flexibility of action in the enlightened management of its infrastructures, while reducing risks.  

MPA continues to move towards best practice in asset management (IAM and ISO 55001), thanks to the current phase 3. This phase aims to improve investment decision-making and strengthen governance. By adopting a strategic approach, MPA ensures that its asset management practices support sustainable organizational transformation. 

• The Port of Montreal has 26 km of waterfront, 23 terminals, over 100 km of rail lines, a logistics ecosystem of 6,300 companies, and 37,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.  

• Our support mandate included a first stage of infrastructure assessment, and a second stage of data integration and visualization in the computerized tool. A third phase is currently underway to define and deploy the asset management strategy within the organization.  

• Deployment of a participative coaching approach with several stakeholders to maximize multidisciplinary collaboration and concrete adoption at all organizational levels.  

• This structured approach gives MPA greater control and flexibility of action in the enlightened management of its infrastructures.  

• Building
• Electricity
• Railway
• Asset Management
• Bridges
• Port and Coastal
• Roads
• Structure
• Civil Works