Port of Halifax receives largest containerized cargo vessel to date

June 29, 2017, Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Port of Halifax has received its largest containerized cargo vessel call to date. The Zim Antwerp, 349 metres length, 45.6 metres beam and 10,062 TEU capacity, arrived at Halterm International Container Terminal at approximately 12:00 p.m. ADT.

ZIM’s network of global shipping services covers all major international trade routes and is complemented by an extensive array of regional shipping lines, connected by 10 major hubs.

“With three services calling on the Port of Halifax, Zim remains committed to serving Canada through the Halifax Atlantic Gateway,” said Volker Kluge, President, Zim Canada. “We look forward to working with our partners to increase the flow of goods and cargo moving through Halifax,” said Mr. Kluge.

“At Halterm we have invested and continue to invest in the equipment, people and services required to handle the larger ships that have followed the widening of the Panama Canal,” said Kim Holtermand, Halterm’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have the capability and determination among a dedicated work force to meet the opportunity for growth that these vessels represent in serving eastern Canada and the arrival of the Zim Antwerp at Halterm plays to our strengths as a deep-water, big ship international container terminal,” Mr. Holtermand added.

The International Longshoremen's Association Local 269 would also like to welcome the arrival of the new class of vessel to the Port of Halifax. “This is a great day for our members and a good time to recognize the long term commitment of Zim, over forty-five years, to this port and its workforce,” President and Business Agent of ILA Local 269, Kevin Piper said today. “We look forward to working with Zim in this era of mega vessels, and welcome continued growth at Halterm and the flow of benefits to our community.”

“This is a very exciting day for the Halifax port community and for our province,” said Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “With the arrival of the first vessel over 10,000 TEU, Halifax is taking part in the next stage in international shipping along the East Coast of North America. I would like to recognize the hard work of all involved including Halterm, Zim, our rail carrier CN, and the ILA. I would also like to thank the Atlantic Pilotage Authority and Atlantic Towing for their dedication to safety in preparing to effectively handle vessels of this size.”

About ZIM Integrated Shipping Ltd:
ZIM Integrated Shipping Ltd was established in 1945, and has developed into one of the largest, leading carriers in the global container shipping industry. ZIM’s global reach extends to over 120 countries, with a network of global and regional shipping services that connects businesses to strategic ports around the world.

About Halterm International Container Terminal:
Halterm International Container Terminal is owned and operated by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, a part of the Macquarie Group of Companies. With natural deepwater, capability to handle any 2 sized vessel, year round ice free access and a management team with diverse international experience, Halterm is the container terminal of choice on Canada’s East Coast. Equipped with four super post-Panamax cranes, the terminal has no navigational or nautical restrictions. Halterm is an ISO 14001 certified company.

About the Port of Halifax:
The Port of Halifax is Canada’s Ultra Atlantic Gateway, connecting to more than 150 countries and generating over $1.7 billion in annual economic benefit from a diverse cargo and cruise business. Offering a natural, deep harbour and world-class infrastructure, Halifax can accommodate large volumes of containerized cargo, bulk cargo and project cargo of any size. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Media contacts:

Monica Smith
Executive Assistant
Halterm Container Terminal Ltd.
Ph. (902) 421-1778 ext. 222
[email protected]

Lane Farguson
Communications Advisor
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]