Halifax begins berth expansion

Canada’s Halifax Port Authority (HPA) has begun a C$35m (US$34m) infrastructure development at the Halterm-operated South End Container Terminal.

The berth will be extended to enable two full-sized post-panamax vessels to simultaneously berth and the draught will be deepened from 14.5 metres to 16 metres.

"This C$35m dollar infrastructure project is significant as it means that the port of Halifax will remain competitive by offering multiple berths that are the deepest on the Eastern Seaboard of North America," said Karen Oldfield, port authority president and CEO.

"The port of Halifax can today handle the largest ships afloat and this investment will ensure we can compete for all size vessels as a gateway for trade."

The HPA has invested over C$100mn in cargo-related port infrastructure in the past five years and plans to invest over C$225m over the next five years. The private sector has also invested over $250m in port-related infrastructure in the past five years.