Port Saint John Breaks Records
SAINT JOHN — Port Saint John and its partners have reached a significant milestone when it comes to container traffic. The port announced Wednesday that 100,000 TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent units) have come through so far this year.
Officials said that is more container traffic than Port Saint John has ever recorded in a single year.
“This momentous milestone marks the start of a new journey for Port Saint John as our growth trajectory is on track to place us as one of the top container ports in Canada,” president and CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks said in a news release.
The milestone stone comes as construction at the expanded container terminal nears completion. Once that work is complete, the port will be able to accommodate 800,000 TEUs a year.
Port officials said more than $500 million has been invested in recent years from the private sector, government, and the port itself for infrastructure and supply chain upgrades.
“This 100,000 TEU milestone is a great indicator that the collaborative effort that has taken place at Port Saint John to grow the container business is providing results,” said Terry Wilson, president of the International Longshoremen Association Local 273.
Wilson noted that the port’s growth trajectory means more opportunities for the local community to have a great career on the waterfront.
Meanwhile, the port is celebrating another significant milestone stemming from another side of its business.
On Thursday, the port welcomes its three millionth cruise ship passenger, who lands in the city on board one of three visiting ships: Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Breakaway, or Voyager of the Seas.
Saint John’s cruise industry begin in 1989 when the Cunard Princess was diverted to the city from Bermuda due to a hurricane. Today, the industry created $68 million of economic impact in the region each year.
“This milestone represents many years of hard work by past and present port staff and countless stakeholders who, year after year, continue to warmly welcome cruise passengers to our beautiful, historic city and the breathtaking Bay of Fundy region,” said Natalie Allaby, Cruise Development Manager.
Brad Perry is the news director with CHSJ/Country 94, Huddle content partners. With files from Tamara Steele.