Halifax 2020 cargo down in single digits

The Port of Halifax saw its total and container cargo decline in 2020, but not to the extent that was initially anticipated, indicated port spokesman Lane Farguson.

“Several factors affected cargo volumes in 2020, including reduced wood pulp imports, rail disruptions early in the year, industrial action at other ports, and the ongoing global pandemic which continues to disrupt supply chains but led to a surge in the second half,” Mr. Farguson said.

He noted that an increase of container volume in the 4^th quarter was “the result of continued strength in inbound cargo from Asia and an increase in exports to Latin American markets.”

For all of 2020, total cargo amounted to 4.2 million tonnes versus 4.45 million tonnes in 2019 while container volume tallied 507,185 TEUs versus 546.7 million TEUs in 2019. (Photo HPA)