Investments in Corner Brook Port infrastructure announced
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Gudie Hutchings on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced a $5.5 million investment for a project that will increase operation efficiency at the Port of Corner Brook, and will move Canadian goods to international markets.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a contribution of $850,000 towards the project on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Corner Brook Port Corporation will be contributing $2,325,000, Logistec $1.7 million, and Corner Brook Pulp & Paper $625,000.
Federal and Provincial Government representatives and key industry partners join Port CEO Jackie Chow following significant investment announcement.
In April 2019, Corner Brook Port Corporation submitted a funding proposal to Transport Canada under the National Trade Corridors Fund and today the proposal was approved. This significant investment will be used to enhance the loading and unloading capacity at the port facility and allow the port of Corner Brook to access major shipping routes.
In the immediate future the port will purchase container handling equipment consisting of a mobile crane and two stackers. This equipment along with existing infrastructure including the fixed pedestal crane will increase workflow efficiencies by allowing the port to load international container ships within the limited time constraints of the vessel call. Once the container operation is underway, the port will construct a warehouse on the dock to create indoor cargo storage space.
In addition to facilitating a transportation link for the region, the mandate of Corner Brook Port Corporation is to facilitate economic development for the region.
“Transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies.” said MP Gudie Hutchings.
There is export potential in multiple sectors, both in the short-term and in the years to come. Some of the more imminent opportunities are in fisheries, forestry and other natural resources. An international shipping service also provides growth opportunities for businesses looking to import raw materials and goods from international destinations. In the long-term, the stability of a regular shipping service may generate the conditions for more export development in this and neighbouring regions.
With the confirmation of this infrastructure enhancement, the port will be working with its stevedoring partner Logistec Stevedoring Inc. to attract an international carrier to provide regular cargo service to the port, which will lead to economic growth for Western Newfoundland.
The support of this project through the National Trade Corridors Fund will facilitate the development and expansion of export markets by creating a direct trade route from Corner Brook to global markets. Creating a reliable and stable trade route will improve production planning, which is especially important for perishable products, and potentially open the door to new global customers.
“The opportunity to develop an international container service will be the cornerstone in the port’s future as we move into the post-divestiture period and strive to ensure the port’s long term sustainability.” CEO Jackie Chow
