On Thursday 9 November 2023, PSA Halifax unloaded two brand new mega Shipto-Shore (STS) cranes for its Atlantic Hub terminal on the south end of the port. These new ultra-large cranes will be added to the five existing super-post-panamax cranes at the terminal, thus allowing PSA Halifax to handle the largest container vessels deployed along the North American East Coast today. This new equipment will also play an important role in expanding PSA Halifax’s capacity from 1.1 to 1.4million TEUs by the end of 2024.
The new STS cranes left Shanghaion 7 September 2023 and safely arrived at the Port of Halifax after two months of sailing time. The new equipment, which is expected to be ready for live operations in January 2024, will now undergo six weeks of commissioning and testing.
“With an outreach of 24 container rows wide and a lift height of 52 meters above ground, the new STS cranes will add significant muscle and capacity to Atlantic Hub,” said Jan Van Mossevelde, CEO of PSA Halifax. “We will now have three STS cranes that are fully capable of handling vessels larger than 20,000 TEUs in size with no limitations. This means higher vessel productivity and faster turnaround times for mega vessels.”
PSA Halifax is one of the fastest-growing container terminals in Atlantic Canada. One major milestone in this expansion was the addition of the Fairview Cove terminal at the north end of the port to its portfolio in April 2022. This merger not only expanded PSA Halifax’s capacity and offerings in the port, it also helped PSA Halifax to significantly reduce truck traffic and CO2 emissionsin downtown Halifax, by moving several truck-heavy shipping lines from the Atlantic Hub to Fairview Cove terminal.
Since 2019, PSA Halifax has invested almost $100 million in civil improvements and new container handling equipment, and estimates to spend $200 million more over the next 5 years to complete the modernization of both the Atlantic Hub and Fairview Cove terminals. These investments include expanding the rail sidings at the Atlantic Hub terminal from 8,000 to 14,000 feet, adding two new railmounted gantry cranes (RMGs) to load and unload the trains as well as eight new electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (eRTGs).
“We applaud PSA Halifax and their commitment to productivity and continuous improvement,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority. “Increasing terminal efficiency is a key focus area for all of us at the Port of Halifax and these new STS cranes will bring us closer to achieving that collective goal.”
Kevin Piper, President of the Council of the International Longshoremen Association (ILA)Locals is thrilled about the arrival of the new cranes. “This comes in an opportune time, with bigger vessels calling at the Atlantic Hub Terminal, we are confident that the ILA is well equipped to deliver industry -leading productivity and service level to the shipping lines calling Halifax.”
About PSA International (PSA)
PSA International (PSA) is a leading global port operator and trusted supply chain partner to cargo stakeholders. PSA’s ports and cargo solutions portfolio comprises over 60 deepsea, rail and inland terminals, across more than 170 locations in 44 countries – including two flagship port operations in Singapore and Belgium, as well as affiliated businesses in supply chain management, logistics, marine and digital services. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience of a diverse global team, PSA collaborates with its customers and partners to develop world-class port ecosystems, deliver innovative cargo solutions and co-create an Internet of Logistics to accelerate the shift towards sustainable trade. Visit us at www.globalpsa.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook (@globalpsa).
About PSA Halifax
PSA Halifax is one of the fastest-growing container terminals on the Atlantic Coast with container throughput surpassing 600,000 TEUs in 2022 With natural deep-water, year-round ice-free access, and the capability to handle the largest vessels visiting North America’s east coast, PSA Halifax’s commitment to service reflects a management team with diverse international experience. Building networked coastal and inland rail solutions, PSA Halifax offers global carriers and logistics providers a reliable route to market and unrivalled ‘first and last port’ capabilities as Canada’s Atlantic hub. PSA Halifax is a subsidiary of PSA International, a leading Port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. Visit us at www.psahalifax.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram (@psahalifax) With strong support from the Halifax Port Authority, the ILA, and close cooperation with intermodal partner CN, PSA Halifax continues to deliver reliable and cost-effective supply chain solutions to our customers. With zero berth congestion and fast and efficient CN rail services, the Port of Halifax enjoys one of the lowest intermodal dwell times in North America, giving shippers a commercially viable option to reach their desired Atlantic Canada and US Midwest markets in a fast and cost-efficient manner.
For media queries:
Jonathan Chia
Head of Commercial & Corporate Development
PSA Halifax