« Back to 2009 News Archives

 

Port of Halifax Welcomes Investments in Atlantic Gateway Infrastructure Projects

Halifax, NS - April 30, 2009 - The Port of Halifax welcomes today’s announcement by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia of investments in key transportation infrastructure projects. Two Port of Halifax cargo projects have been identified as priorities for funding along with supporting projects related to the efficient flow of cargo near the Port.

“On behalf of the Port of Halifax community, I express our thanks to the Federal and Provincial Government, and in particular Minister Peter MacKay and Premier Rodney MacDonald, for the commitment they have made to our Regional transportation network,” said Karen Oldfield, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Halifax Port Authority. “The support of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada is important as we move forward competing world-wide for cargo. The direct Port investments, highway projects and Atlantic Gateway business development funding will support the on-going efforts of the Port of Halifax supply chain members.”

The Port of Halifax had provided the Province of Nova Scotia and Government of Canada with a wide-range of infrastructure project options for consideration that covered all areas of the Port’s diverse business. This included rail service, containerized cargo, bulk cargo, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off and cruise-related projects.

The Port of Halifax infrastructure projects identified in today’s announcement for joint investment in the short-term are:

§ Expansion of the South Container Terminal (operated by Halterm Container Terminal Limited) to increase container handling capacity at the Port of Halifax by extending and deepening Pier C enabling simultaneous berthing of two full-sized post-Panamax vessels. The pier is currently capable of docking one post-Panamax ship and a smaller vessel at the same time, limiting operational flexibility. This project would entail extension of the pier and dredging of the surrounding area from a depth of 14.5m to a new depth of 16.0m. Improved cargo-handling efficiencies, particularly for truck operations through upgrades of the truck marshalling yard, would be created by increasing the terminal area and allowing for a reconfiguration of the approach road and gate complex to improve ingress and egress of truck traffic. Estimated project cost of $35 million.

§ Extension of the Richmond Multipurpose Terminals. This project will upgrade and expand the value-added cargo handling services that can be conducted at Richmond Terminals. The facility would be expanded to enable roll on/roll off handling and enhanced heavy lift capabilities. Area 9D which is currently undeveloped would be upgraded to provide enhanced pier and marshalling capabilities. The activities carried out at Richmond Terminals will be value-added processing, transloading and distribution primarily for export. Estimated project cost of $73 million.

In addition, projects such as the Burnside Connector and Truro High Speed Interchange support the efficient flow of export cargo from our Region to the Port of Halifax and import cargo to Regional businesses. The Business Development and Marketing initiatives to market Atlantic Gateway transportation assets will support the on-going work of service providers throughout the Port of Halifax community.

“Premier MacDonald today described the Port of Halifax as an anchor for our Region. We will continue to work cooperatively with private and public partners to ensure that the Port of Halifax remains a strong anchor for the Atlantic Gateway,” said Ms. Oldfield.
Details on cost-sharing arrangements are to be finalized.

-30-

For more information:
Michele Peveril
Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Halifax Port Authority
Phone (902) 426-1060

 

« Back to 2009 News Archives