Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 10, The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and DP World in Canada, a joint venture between DP World and institutional investor La Caisse, have signed a joint development agreement to advance the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur. The agreement covers the design and execution of land-based works for a future container terminal.

DP World will take responsibility for constructing the new terminal, as well as operating and maintaining the facility for a 40-year period. Once completed, the Contrecœur terminal will become DP World’s sixth Canadian port facility, joining existing operations in Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Saint John, and Vancouver.

The facility is scheduled to open in 2030. It will feature two berths, a rail yard, and associated services within an industrial zone. With an expected annual handling capacity of 1.15 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the terminal is designed to enhance the flow of goods and strengthen regional logistics infrastructure.

Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, emphasized the terminal’s potential impact: “The Contrecœur terminal will serve as a true economic engine for Quebec and eastern Canada.” He highlighted the importance of the project in supporting long-term trade and supply chain resilience.

The expansion project reflects broader trends in international shipping, where demand for capacity growth and modernized infrastructure continues to rise. As global trade patterns evolve, Canadian ports are positioning themselves to strengthen connections with international markets. The Contrecœur terminal will play a role in enhancing Quebec’s competitiveness in logistics and trade, complementing Montreal’s position as a key hub for container traffic.

MPA has long identified Contrecœur as a strategic location for expansion due to its proximity to major consumer markets and its direct links to rail and road networks. By partnering with DP World, the authority aims to ensure the terminal is developed to high operational standards while securing long-term private-sector involvement in the project.

The terminal’s design also aligns with the trend toward integrating sustainable practices into port development. The combination of advanced infrastructure and strong connectivity is expected to support both domestic and international trade growth.

With construction scheduled to begin in the coming years, the project will provide significant investment and employment opportunities throughout the development phase. Once operational, it is anticipated to reinforce Canada’s role in transatlantic shipping routes, offering new capacity to handle growing trade volumes.

The collaboration between MPA and DP World represents a long-term commitment to supporting Canada’s maritime sector, with the Contrecœur terminal expected to be a cornerstone of eastern Canada’s trade infrastructure for decades to come.