$46.2 million in funding just announced by the federal government will enable the Port of Nanaimo to make significant infrastructure improvements and expansions at its Duke Point facilities.
The funding means the existing wharf will be expanded to 325 metres from its current 182, an existing crane will be replaced with two 24-metre cranes, a new warehouse will be built for general cargo, a new maintenance and administration building, truck gate, increasing the terminal’s storage area and upgrades will be made for electrical, sewer, drainage, water and security systems around the facility.
The funding announcement by Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, came after months of work by the Port of Nanaimo team, which included terminal operator D.P. World.
Port of Nanaimo CEO Ian Marr says the funding is an integral step towards the Port’s goal of expanding its short-sea shipping and cargo operations.
Marr adds: “With our location and the high volumes of cargo moving into and out of Vancouver and Vancouver Island, we are ideally situated to become the primary point of entry and exit for trans-shipment of goods for Vancouver Island,” says Marr. “Our new equipment and facilities will make us more flexible for cargo types and for a variety of deep sea vessels, an ideal, attractive and efficient option for local, national and international companies.”
“The Port of Nanaimo has been a partner with VIEA since the very beginning of our quest to have Vancouver Island designated as Canada’s 12th Foreign Trade Zone (FTZVI). This investment even further positions Vancouver Island as an efficient and cost-effective location for companies wishing to access markets in the Americas and throughout the Pacific region.” – Mark Smith, Chair, VIEA
“We think short-sea shipping between Vancouver Island and the Fraser River in Vancouver holds huge potential for reducing GHG emissions on the BC coast by reducing truck traffic in the lower mainland. This is great news!” – George Hanson, President, FTZVI
The announcement is the latest major announcement for the Port of Nanaimo, which opened the Vehicle Processing Centre in the spring. The federal government contributed $6.3 million towards that project, which will have 80-100 full-time workers once peak capacity of processing 50,000 vehicles to be is reached.
