The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and DP World Canada recently signed a joint development agreement for the planned container terminal in the port of Contrecœur.
Under the agreement, the terminal operator will assume responsibility for the planning and implementation of the landside works. For Dubai-based DP World, one of the world’s largest port operators, this means joining the circle of active terminal operators in the port of Montreal.
Montreal’s port facilities are reaching their capacity limits
The existing port facilities on the island of Montreal handled almost 1.5 million TEU in 2024 and are therefore reaching their capacity limits. Once completed, Contrecoeur is expected to offer an annual capacity of 1.15 million TEU, which corresponds to an increase of around 60 %. Two berths as well as areas for handling and storage are planned. Thanks to direct road and rail connections, the flow of goods will also be improved.
The project in Contrecœur is based on a two-pronged approach: the hydraulic engineering work is the responsibility of the port authority and is being planned in collaboration with the CTCGP consortium, consisting of Pomerleau and Aecon, using a cooperative design-build model. Meanwhile, DP World will be responsible for the landside works, including the construction of container storage areas, buildings, utilities and a rail link. In addition, the port operator will ensure the operation and maintenance of the terminal for the next 40 years.
DP World opens sixth terminal in Canada
With the investment in Contrecœur, DP World is expanding its commitment in Canada, where the Group already operates terminals in Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Saint John and Vancouver. Worldwide, the company is active at more than 60 ports and terminals in 64 countries.
The timetable for the project envisages that construction preparations will begin as early as this year, subject to the necessary approvals being obtained. The design phase for the landside work will start at the same time. This will be followed in 2026 by the start of hydraulic engineering work, the finalization of the terminal design and the conclusion of the construction and operating contract. The landside construction work is scheduled to begin in 2027, before the terminal is expected to go into operation in 2030.
