The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) confirms the launch of in-water construction work at the site of its Contrecœur Expansion Project. In line with the project schedule, this new milestone officially marks the beginning of a major phase of construction and concludes the preparatory work carried out since fall 2025.
This new phase represents a significant step toward the realization of the future container terminal. It includes the construction of a working jetty, as well as the terminal wharf and its marine infrastructure. Dredging activities are scheduled to begin in 2027.
A working jetty to support wharf construction
The first activities will involve the construction of a stone working jetty. This structure will provide crews and heavy equipment, including a crane with a lifting capacity of 300 tonnes, with access to the work zone for the installation of the various components of the wharf.
More than 250,000 tonnes of stone from local quarries have been progressively delivered to the site over the past several months to build the jetty in the river and the fill required for the future wharf. Several thousand additional tonnes of stone will be delivered in the coming months.
The delivery of sheet piles, a key component of the future wharf, was also completed in recent weeks.
Upcoming milestones include:
- Delivery of the steel casing piles currently being manufactured in Saint-Félix-de-Kingsey, beginning August 17;
- Commencement of wharf construction this fall with the installation of a combined wall composed of steel casing piles and sheet piles.
A construction site prepared over several months
The launch of this new phase follows several months of preparatory work, which included:
- Installation of construction site fencing;
- Development of access roads;
- Construction of work platforms;
- Targeted tree clearing;
- Installation of site offices and garages.
At the same time, the implementation of environmental compensation measures related to aquatic vegetation beds and wetlands is ongoing. The forest habitat compensation plan, including reforestation work, has been completed.
The project’s next phases will also include finalizing the terminal design, as well as the construction and operating agreement with DP World Canada.
(Photos from André Fortin)