Infrastructure Improvements
The Halifax Port Authority has invested significantly over the past five years in infrastructure. We have modern infrastructure, using the latest technology, and world class security. Over the last five years, the private sector has invested over $250 million in port-related infrastructure. The Halifax Port Authority has invested over $100 million.
Please find highlights of infrastructure improvements at the Port of Halifax:
- Ongoing Atlantic Gateway Infrastructure Projects
- Container Terminal Infrastructure
- Halifax Seaport Infrastructure
- Security Improvements
Atlantic Gateway Infrastructure Projects
The Halifax Port Authority and the Federal Government are jointly investing in two major infrastructure projects at the Port of Halifax. These projects are part of the Halifax Port Authority's long-term strategy for maintaining the port's competitiveness with their core business which is cargo. Two Gateway projects were announced in 2009, the South End Container Terminal and the Richmond Multipurpose Terminals.
If you have any questions in regards to the Gateway projects please contact Carrie Keating with the Halifax Port Authority at (902) 426-3642.
The South End Container Terminal:
The primary objective of this project is to be able to simultaneously berth and service two post-Panamax ships at the South End Container Terminal. The Port of Halifax has the deepest container berths on the Eastern Seaboard of North America, and this project will ensure that Halifax continues to be able to handle the largest ships afloat. The Port of Halifax is positioning itself as a world-class port, one that provides direct access to and from the economic heartland of North America.
This project has two phases:
- The first phase is complete. It involved the driving of sheets piles along the face of the pier, which has reinforced the pier for dredging in the area of the extension.
- The second phase is underway and is on schedule. This phase includes the extension of the pier, which will include additional pile driving, dredging and the construction of the concrete deck that will form the extension. We will be dredging the surrounding area from a depth of 14.5m to a new depth of 16.0m. The extension of the pier will be at the most southerly tip of the terminal and is planned to be 45 metres wide by 80 metres long.
Other projects that are part of the Gateway funding for the South End Container Terminal:
• Reconfiguration of the approach road to allow for a smoother turn.
• Improved cargo-handling efficiencies, particularly for truck operations, through upgrades of the truck marshalling yard and gate complex.
Richmond Multipurpose Terminals:
The Project is valued at approximately $73 million, which is cost shared between the Federal Government and the Halifax Port Authority. This project is currently underway and is on schedule.
This project will upgrade and expand the value-added cargo handling services that can be conducted at Richmond Terminals. The facility would be expanded to enable roll on/roll off handling and enhanced heavy lift capabilities. The activities carried out at Richmond Terminals will be value-added processing, transloading and distribution primarily for export.
Project Phases:
• The first phase of the Richmond Terminals Project is complete. This phase included the reinforcement of Piers 9 and 9B as the piers date back as far as 100 years old, and needed strengthening.
• The second phase is underway with the reconstruction of the road, which is close to completion and the actual extension of Pier 9C, which will commence soon.
• The actual expansion of Pier 9C will require us to dredge and construct concrete cribs. The standard practice for this type of work is 24/7, due to the nature of the work. We have taken the opportunity to write to the local residents surrounding the area, indicating what this phase includes. Please click here for a copy of the letter.
Container Terminal Infrastructure Enhancements
Each year the Halifax Port Authority's capital plan includes priorities for infrastructure investment for the 258 acres of land under their administration.
South End Container Terminal
- 200 new reefer plugs which increases the capacity for the port to handle high value. temperature controlled cargo.
- Upgrading of the sub-station, to make the Terminal more energy efficient.
- Lighting project which improved terminal work areas and increased energy efficiency.
- Re-paving which is part of regular maintenance of the surface.
- New HVAC system in the main building.
Fairview Cove Container Terminal
- New truck marshalling area and truck gate which allows for top security while increasing the efficiency of moving trucks in and out of the container terminal.
- New maintenance shed which doubles the previous capacity.
- Doubled the on-dock rail capacity which increased efficiency.
- New crane rails which allowed Ceres to purchase the two post-Panamax cranes.
- 200 new reefer plugs which increases the capacity for the port to handle high value temperature controlled cargo.
- Upgraded the electrical sub station which supportd the new cranes and the reefer capacity.
- Dredging - Current depth is now 55ft which has allowed for two post-Panamax vessels to be berthed and serviced simultaneously at Ceres.
Pictured above in front of the new maintenance garage are Greg MacKinnon, Greg Baker, Dean Bouchard from the Halifax Port Authority and Calvin Whidden from Ceres.
Pictured above is the new Truck Marshalling Gate at the Fairview Container Terminal
Halifax Seaport Infrastructure
Extending from Piers 19 to 23 along the southern end of Halifax waterfront, the Halifax Seaport offers more than 2,000 feet (611 metres) of continuous berth space. By 2015 the area will be transformed to enhance the existing cultural and arts districts.
Cruise passengers who arrive at the Halifax Seaport enjoy the convenience of moving direct from ship-to-shore. Covered hydraulic gangways lead directly into Pavilion 22, our new cruise passenger handling facility. Pavilion 22 offers visitors the best of Nova Scotian handcrafts, gifts and signature products. Tour and visitor information are also available at the facility.
Recent infrastructure improvements have included:
- Cruise passenger handling facilties, Pavilion 20 and 22, offer the convenience of moving passengers directly from ship to shore.
Security Improvements
The Halifax Port Authority has implemented a broad range of physical security upgrades that feature sophisticated technologies and integrated system capabilities. Port facilities have access control hardware such as gates, peripheral fence monitors and biometric access.
The centrepiece of the Halifax Port Authority’s scheme of security upgrades is the Halifax Port Authority Command and Control System (HPACCS), which was funded by the Halifax Port Authority in partnership with the Federal Government of Canada. This system addresses multiple threats based on an extensive threat risk analysis.
The HPACCS is available at central control centres and remotely through Web based access. Some of the key attributes to the system include:
- Sensors and alarms that provide situational awareness, including radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), video cameras, biometric - based access control, fence monitors and chemical detectors
- Secure emergency communication feasibility
- Incident -based scenarios for training and response purposes
- Data is collected over a dedicated secure fibre optic network, which allows it to be presented in a clear and concise format
