Our History
In the early 70's sulphur was a very abundant yet low-value commodity and there were few markets for the product in Canada. Logistics for handling and transporting the element were chaotic, costly and unreliable. Sulphur producers were frustrated by the inability to dependably and efficiently access growing world markets.
As sulphur showed signs of escalating in demand and value, it became apparent that improved methods of transporting and handling the commodity were required. These new methods had to be cost efficient, environmentally sound and offer reliability and dependability to the sulphur industry and its customers.
In September of 1974, Petrofina, Shell Canada Resources and Hudson Bay Oil & Gas became key members of an eight-member industry task force. They developed a mandate for a producer-owned, independently managed, sulphur logistics service company, incorporating the business and offering shares to all interested producers. On December 16, 1975 Sultran Ltd. was incorporated as a private company with twenty-three shareholders holding 905,000 shares.
On February 1, 1977, Sultran commenced operations. The first billing, on February 4, 1977, consisted of 8,083 tonnes for Shell Canada Resources. It was the beginning of a union between Sultran and its sulphur customers and shareholders that would progress and over time have a major influence on the Canadian sulphur industry.
By the 1980's Sultran was solidly established and ready to forge ahead. The success of working with major sulphur producers, marketers, railways and other suppliers had resulted in increased and reliable access to offshore markets and expanded volumes of business were being realized. New levels of efficiency and advanced capabilities allowed sulphur producers to improve their competitiveness within global markets.
During the `80s the need to increase efficiency and reliability and to reduce environmental impact led Sultran to make major investments in rail cars and terminal facilities. These investments provided solid returns to customers in efficiency, reliability and reduced costs. Secure long-range commitments by producers made these investments and improvements possible and allowed Sultran to plan and develop for the future.
Much of the progress Sultran has made is the direct result of the investment of capital in system improvements. From the acquisition, renovating and building of facilities and the establishment of related companies, to the continuing purchasing and upgrading of equipment allowing operations to run smoothly, Sultran and its subsidiary company, Pacific Coast Terminals have been able to achieve significant results in their industry and have positive impacts on their surrounding communities and environments.