Port Saint John marks $247M modernization milestone

Port Saint John has marked the completion of its $247‑million west side modernization project.

The work caps more than a decade of planning and construction aimed at expanding the terminal and strengthening the port’s role in national trade.

Ceremony marks completion of upgrades

The project, funded by the federal and provincial governments along with the port, includes a new berth, upgraded rail connections, expanded laydown space and a deeper channel.

Port officials said the upgrades have increased container capacity more than fourfold and created room for future growth.

Officials cut the ribbon Tuesday to mark the completion of the $247‑million modernization project.

Port CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks told the crowd the work represents a major turning point for the waterfront and the region.

He noted the port handled just 86,000 TEUs when he joined the organization and finished last year just under 240,000.

“We’re demonstrating growth. We’re just getting started,” he said.

RELATED: Port Saint John CEO reflects on growth and future plans

Premier Susan Holt thanked past and present governments, port workers and industry partners for supporting the project.

She said the port is already contributing to national supply chains and will continue to grow.

“This mighty port — small but mighty — is contributing to Canada’s economic strength,” Holt said.

She added the province intends to build on the modernization with future projects and job creation.

“Give us a little bit of time, and we’re going to go from number three to number one.”

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said the project has reshaped the city’s skyline and renewed public interest in the waterfront.

“Today is about completion, but it’s also about momentum,” she said.

Reardon told the crowd the port’s role extends far beyond the city.

“This port is not only Saint John’s, not only the province’s — it’s Canada’s passport to the future.”

DP World sees long‑term growth ahead

DP World Canada CEO Doug Smith outlined the company’s long‑term confidence in the terminal, pointing to his experience working with ports around the world.

He noted the port handled 239,000 TEUs last year and is forecasting more than 300,000 next year, with another 100,000 already in planning.

Smith said that trajectory is why DP World and the port are working toward a long‑term goal of handling one million TEUs annually.

“When you look at the potential here, you really have to ask: why not?” he told the crowd.

Former port CEO and current senator Jim Quinn reflected on the early days of the project and the years of work required to bring it to completion.

“It’s an emotional day for me. I’ve been dreaming of this day for a number of years,” Quinn said.

He described the modernization as a foundation for future growth and a catalyst for the province’s economy.

Port board chair Jack Keir recalled the decision to proceed with the project in March 2020, at the onset of the pandemic.

He said then‑CEO Quinn presented a plan to invest more than $200 million despite global uncertainty.

“That takes some gumption,” Keir said.

Outgoing chief operating officer Andrew Dixon said the project continues a long tradition of reinvention on the waterfront.

“A great port modernization was accomplished almost 100 years ago — and thanks to a team of visionaries, dreamers and believers, we have done it again,” he said.

The container sector is expected to contribute more than $125 million to New Brunswick’s GDP next year and support hundreds of jobs, according to Port Saint John.

Officials said the modernization marks the beginning of a new phase of growth for the port and the region.