The long-awaited megaproject aims to expand port capacity by 60 percent, eliminating constraints and diversifying Canadian trade.
By Gateway News Desk
Canada has officially commenced construction on the new Contrecoeur container terminal at the Port of Montreal. First proposed nearly four decades ago, the long-delayed megaproject is set to become the largest Atlantic coast port expansion in the country’s history.
Once completed, the terminal will expand the port’s capacity by approximately 60 percent, adding up to 1.15 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in annual container handling capabilities and effectively resolving longstanding capacity constraints.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting a massive joint financing effort. The federal government, through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, has committed US$839 million to the project. Additional funding includes $94 million from the Government of Quebec and $108.5 million from Transport Canada.
For the current administration, Contrecoeur is a linchpin in a broader strategy to double non-U.S. exports and diversify Canada’s trade partnerships, with a keen focus on Asian markets. The new facility will provide the shortest shipping route from North America’s industrial heartland to Europe and the Mediterranean—two critical alternative markets for Canadian importers and exporters.
To capitalize on this economic opportunity, the government launched the Major Projects Office (MPO) in August of last year. The MPO played a crucial role in the project’s acceleration, streamlining approvals, developing the financing model, and securing necessary permits in record time.
The comprehensive project entails the construction of two berths, a dedicated container handling area, an intermodal marshalling yard linked to the main rail network, and a truck gate connected to major roadways, alongside various secondary facilities.
Phase 1 of the project, which involves in-water works such as dredging and quay wall construction, has been underway since October of last year. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin next year, with the terminal slated for full commercial operations by 2030. DP World Canada has already secured a 40-year agreement to operate the new facility.
The Port of Montreal is already recognized as one of Canada’s most critical global gateways, handling over 35 million tonnes of cargo and receiving around 2,000 ship calls each year. Annually, the port generates an estimated $72.3 billion for the economy and supports roughly 590,000 jobs.