The Port of Corner Brook plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador. Demand for shipping services is closely tied to the local economy and growth in the industrial business at the port is integral to the port’s business model and also critical to the port’s long-term sustainability. The port is seeking industrial projects which have the potential to increase tonnage to, from and through the port and/or those which have the potential to stimulate economic activity in Western Newfoundland.
The Corner Brook Port area is comparatively large – running from Meadows Point on the North Shore of the Bay of Islands, through Corner Brook’s waterfront (Brake’s Cove and Seal Head) to about the mid-point of the South Shore of the Bay of Islands – a distance of about forty km (25 miles). The area is further divided into the inner harbour (the Port) and the outer harbour.
Corner Brook Port has numerous strategic advantages which make it an ideal location for industrial projects. The port is open year-round and has very few wind, wave or weather issues. Located 35 km (22 miles) inland from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the port is sheltered by the surrounding Blomidon Mountains. The Bay of Islands has extremely deep water, both dockside (10 m) and throughout the bay (90 m), allowing a wide range of vessels to access the port facilities. The port is directly accessible to the Trans Canada Highway and is located in close proximity to two airports in the region.
With a 362 m (1200 ft) main berth and minimum dockside depth of 10 m (30 ft), the port can accommodate very large vessels. The high capacity (53 tonne) fixed pedestal crane enables loading and offloading of various cargo, including containers. There is minimal tidal range (2 m) and the turning basin is 1530 m (5000 ft). The port facility also includes a ro-ro ramp.
The docking facility, combined with available land for storage/lay down area and available industrial buildings create an ideal location for fabrication, vessel re-fits/repairs and construction. The unique contours of the seabed in the inner bay results in shallow water very close to the shore progressing quickly to extremely deep water. This creates suitable conditions for shipbuilding and related activities requiring a rail or ramp system to move components from land to water.
Corner Brook is home to several first class post-secondary institutions: Memorial University, Grenfell campus, College of the North Atlantic and Academy Canada. These institutions graduate students from various programs annually and have the ability to customize training and certifications to support various industries. The community has a skilled labour force, many of whom have worked in industries such as oil and gas, fisheries or forestry.
The Humber Arm is a compulsory pilotage area. Pilotage services are provided by the Atlantic Pilotage Authority located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Visit www.atlanticpilotage.com or call (902) 426-2550 for further information.
From 2010-14, Corner Brook was the island port of call for the Labrador ferry service. The vessel Sir Robert Bond travelled several times per week from Blanc Sablon, Quebec to Corner Brook. This service typically ran from the middle of January to the end of March.
Corner Brook Port Corporation is pursuing numerous business development opportunities with emphasis on industrial activity. Interested partners and tenants should contact the Corporation’s office.
Nautical Distances
Corner Brook Port Corporation is a member of
