QSL 1st Canadian maritime company to join UN Global Compact

North America’s port operator QSL has become the very first Canadian maritime company to adhere to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

The Quebec company, specializing in the operation of port terminals, stevedoring, maritime services, logistics and transportation, is now setting the pace with its continued commitment to sustainable development.

“We are incredibly proud to announce our adherence to the United Nations Global Compact and its ten principles enshrining human rights and international standards for labour, the environment and anticorruption,” Robert Bellisle, QSL President and CEO, commented.

“It shows that QSL is ready to integrate these principles in its corporate strategy, culture, and daily activities, and to bring progress where we have influence.”

The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest sustainable development initiative for businesses. The United Nations launched it to give the global economy a human dimension. It provides a way for responsible businesses to apply sustainable development principles in their strategies and operations.

Membership comes with certain responsibilities including the publication of yearly progress reports describing the company’s efforts in integrating the ten principles.

“Respect for the environment is at the heart of our corporate culture. It drives us to innovate and raise the bar to reduce our environmental footprint and support the vitality of the communities in which we operate,” Bellisle added.

Over the years, QSL’s commitment has resulted in Green Alliance certification for all its terminals, complete water treatment systems and an extensive network of electric conveyors, local production and supply of equipment, citizens’ committees, the adoption a circular economy approach and the development of new technologies such as telemetry.

QSL will also eliminate plastic water bottles entirely in all its ports and terminals by early 2022, a yearly reduction of 500,000 plastic bottles.

QSL is active at 59 port terminals in Canada and the United States.