Port Saint John in Canada saw container handling figures in 2021 rise 10%, marking its fifth consecutive year of growth in the sector.
The port processed a total of 86,949 TEU last year. On top of this, cargo tonnage also increased 11% over 2020 figures to 28,822,218 MT.
Several developments occurred throughout 2020 and 2021 which are said to have contributed to this success. These include:
- The continuation of the $205 million West Side Modernization Project. Construction was launched in early 2020 and is scheduled for completion in 2023 in funding partnership with the Government of Canada and Province of New Brunswick.
- The launch of CP Rail’s East Coast Advantage Strategy and rail services through acquisition and improvement of the former CMQR line in the State of Maine, solidifying the Saint John as the only Atlantic Canadian port with two Class I national rail providers.
- The presence of weekly services from MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd.
“Operating in a sustainable manner, together with our stakeholders and partners, is our key focus at Port Saint John,” said President and CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks. “We do this to ensure our shared growth has the most positive impact for our community, Province, and Canada.”
“Last year was a strong year for cargo traffic at Port Saint John and for our various operators and partners. With the completion of the new, deeper pier on the West Side in early 2023, together we look forward to continued growth in the cargo sector.”
PTI previously sat down with Estabrooks in his first international interview since taking on the role of CEO where he delved into the ambitious West Side Modernization Project.
Port Saint John currently has the capacity to handle around 100,000 to 150,000 TEU. This Modernization Project will allow them to double that to “a little over 300,000 TEU,” Estabrooks forecasted. Combined with a one-time capital dredge, the project could enable the port to handle much larger vessels as soon as 2023.