By Leo Ryan, Editor
Dubai-based global logistics giant DP World is seeking to become the future operator of the projected massive Contrecœur container terminal at the Port of Montreal, according to a report published last Friday by Bloomberg News.
“There’s a competitive process going on and we’re definitely in discussions,” DP World Canada Inc. Chief Executive Officer Douglas Smith told Bloomberg News.
A statement subsequently released by Renée Larouche, Director of Communications with the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), commented: “The expansion of the Port of Montreal in Contrecœur is a major strategic asset for increasing the resilience and fluidity of supply chains throughout Eastern Canada. In this perspective, we are currently in discussions with a private partner and investor, whose identity will remain confidential until an agreement is signed.”
In keeping with traditional protocol, the MPA has refrained from publicly identifying the business groups that may be involved in confidential discussions to operate the biggest project jn the port’s history until an agreement is formally concluded.
If all proceeds under a revised plan, the Contrecœur terminal in which CN Railway has teamed up with the MPA to integrate the facility to its North American network, will add 1.15 million containers per year by slated start of operations in 2030 to an existing capacity of 2.1 million TEUs. Due to delays, inflation and other factors, the total estimated cost has ballooned north of $1.5 billion.
DP World has a strong connection with Quebec’s huge pension group — the Caisse de Dépot et Placement du Québec. The relationship between La Caisse and DP World involves very big investment partnerships, including a 2022 agreement where CDPQ invested US$5 billion for a minority stake in DP World’s Dubai assets, and a 2016 agreement to create a US$3.7 billion global investment platform focused on ports and terminals. These collaborations are designed to expand DP World’s global presence and provide CDPQ with exposure to fast-growing markets and trade routes.
Several weeks ago, the MPA submitted its notice of intent to begin preliminary construction work for the Contrecœur expansion as early as September 29, 2025, pending receipt of the final required approvals.
“This step allows us to meet the conditions required to move forward with a project that positions Quebec and Canada more strongly to diversify international trade,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA. “Once all the necessary approvals are in place, we’ll be ready to begin work on this major strategic project that is essential to the future of our supply chains.”
While in Germany last week to bolster Canadian economic and energy ties in Europe and diversify Canada’s international trade landscape in response to President Trump’s tariff warfare, Prime Minister Mark Carney singled out the ports of Montreal and Churchill for imminent major infrastructure investments. He suggested announcements in this regard could occur within two weeks.
“Our government is in the process of unleashing half a trillion dollars of investment in energy infrastructure, port infrastructure, particularly intelligence infrastructure, as well, with AI,” Mr. Carney said.
DP World rising presence in Canada
Meanwhile, should DP World receive the final nod for the Contrecoeur undertaking, it would add a significant new dimension – Canada’s second biggest container port – to its current extensive network of terminals in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert and Saint John.
Also noteworthy, DP World opened a new freight forwarding office in Mississauga, Ontario, this past May, thereby expanding its logistics services to the greater Toronto area. The office offers services like FCL and LCL sea freight, air freight, domestic trucking, customs clearance, and cargo insurance to support industries such as retail, technology, and automotive. The expansion strengthens DP World’s end-to-end supply chain capabilities in Canada and provides integrated logistics solutions to businesses in the region.
(Image from MPA of Contrecœur container project)