Port Saint John in New Brunswick announced that overall cargo tonnage in the first three quarters of 2021 was 19% higher than the same period in 2020. The first three quarters of 2020 saw 18.6 million tonnes of cargo handled, with 2021 recording 22.2 million tonnes by the end of September.
In the container sector, both TEUs and tonnage are experiencing year-over-year increases. As of the end of September, the container tonnage moved via Port Saint John is 6% higher than 2020. This marked the fifth consecutive year of growth in the container sector for Port Saint John.
Several major developments occurred in 2020 and 2021 that will continue to positively impact container cargo, the port said.
First was the continuation of the $205 million West Side Modernization Project which is due to be complete in 2023 in funding partnership with the Government of Canada, Province of New Brunswick, and Port Saint John.
Second was 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, thereby solidifying Port Saint John as the only Atlantic Canadian port with two Class I national rail providers.
And thirdly was the 2021 start of ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd’s regular container service (per photo), joining MSC and CMA CGM as regular container service providers.
“We are focused on growth in the container sector together with our terminal operator DP World, who are blending their global reach and influence with the benefits of our West Side Modernization Project to achieve the common objective of sustainable growth,” commented Captain Chris Hall, Interim President & CEO.“Continuing to build strong foundations with our partners in the rail and shipping sector is another essential component of supply chain innovation as we continue to move forward in modernizing this Port.”
In other cargo sectors, dry bulk cargoes are experiencing a year-to-date increase of 128%. Two main commodities are driving this increase, potash and recycled metals. Potash was at 444,550 tonnes at the end of September 2020 and is at 1.25 million tonnes at the end of September 2021. Recycled metals in 2020 was at 147,230 tonnes at the end of September and is at 234,989 tonnes as of the September 30, 2021.
The liquid bulk sector is also experiencing a year-over-year increase at 16% higher than the same period in 2020.
Port Saint John is Atlantic Canada’s largest port by tonnage and has a diverse cargo base, including dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise. (Photo Port Saint John)
