In 2022, the Port of Halifax crossed the 600,000 TEU annual throughput threshold for the first time. Thanks to the eighteen ocean carriers and the collective effort of PSA Halifax, CN, the ILA, and with dedicated support from the marine pilots and tug operator, 601,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) moved through Halifax’s containerized cargo terminals, PSA Halifax Atlantic Hub and PSA Halifax Fairview Cove.
“In 2022, PSA Halifax, CN and the Halifax Port Authority worked together in a collaborative, meaningful way, and the increased throughput volume is a positive outcome of that collaboration,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “In 2022, we started using the Joint Operation Centre for containerized cargo operations and that certainly helped find new efficiencies and maintain cargo fluidity with no vessel berthing delays during a second year of sustained supply chain disruptions.”
“The regional economic impact associated with cargo operations is significant,” said Thomas Hayes, Chair of the Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors. “A vibrant and productive port in Halifax means jobs for Atlantic Canadians, market opportunities for Canadian manufacturers and exporters, and supply chain security for Canada.” Importers and exporters across the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario, and the U.S. Midwest all benefit from having easy access to an efficient international gateway served by the world’s largest shipping lines.
“As the supply chain continues to struggle with congestion, the Port of Halifax has demonstrated itself to be an important alternative to help customers reach their markets faster. We are very pleased to achieve this significant milestone and are excited to continue to work alongside our partners and customers to transform the Port of Halifax into a major Atlantic Hub Port,” said Jan Van Mossevelde, CEO, PSA Halifax. Investments in priority port infrastructure, digital systems, equipment and people by CN, PSA Halifax, the ILA and the HPA created the foundation for a very solid year. Halifax regularly handles the largest containerized cargo vessels calling on any Canadian port, massive ships approaching 400 metres overall length with carrying capacity of over 16,000 TEU.
“Congratulations to the Port of Halifax for having reached this milestone. Through strong collaboration with PSA, the Halifax Port Authority, CN and our mutual customers, there are many more opportunities that lie ahead to further grow the Halifax gateway,” said Dan Bresolin, Vice-President, Intermodal, CN. “We look forward to continued collaboration with our supply chain partners to keep delivering efficiently for our customers and the North American economy.”
In April, the HPA joined the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI) as an Incentive Provider with the International Association of Ports and Harbours’ Environmental Ship Index (ESI). The HPA is now offering incentives to container and RoRo vessels that voluntarily register and meet ESI’s requirements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program has been successful in reducing emissions by 13% on 40% of vessel arrivals.
2023 will see the arrival of two additional super post-Panamax cranes (SPPX) at PSA Halifax Atlantic Hub, new yard handling equipment, and the continuation of several infrastructure projects that will improve efficiency and sustainability, increase yard handling space, and help to ensure Halifax remains a competitive and effective international gateway.
(Photo Port of Halifax)
