Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced $46.2 million to help expand the deep sea shipping dock at Duke Point. He said the investment was based on a strong business case.  (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Shipping upgrades

Feds announce nearly $50 million to expand Duke Point shipping facility

Jul 24, 2019 | 9:10 AM

NANAIMO — A long-planned vision to expand the Port of Nanaimo’s deep sea dock at Duke Point has received a substantial shot in the arm.

Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced a $46.2 million investment on Wednesday, July 24 to vastly upgrade the growing cargo shipping hub.

“It will be good not only for the island and Nanaimo, but also short-sea shipping and the flow of goods between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland,” Garnneau told a crowd prior to a standing ovation outside the Port’s administration office.

Garneau said the money will go toward creating a 325-metre long wharf at Duke Point, up from the current 180-metre length. He said two new large cranes and a new warehouse are among a host of other incoming improvements.

The project is expected to take two-and-a-half years to construct, while existing operations won’t be impacted.

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Port president and CEO Ian Marr said construction is anticipated to create 900 jobs and boost long-term employment once the facility is upgraded.

“It doesn’t really enlarge our footprint, it just enhances everything up and makes for a more efficient operation,” Marr said.

He said a larger dock would allow two short sea shipping barges to be unloaded and loaded simultaneously.

Marr said the project’s total bill is projected at around $90 million, with the the Port and their business partner DP World splitting the other half.

Port of Nanaimo board chair Donna Hais said strengthening their infrastructure will make a notable economic impact locally and abroad.

“We truly value our partnerships with Snuneymuxw First Nation, the City of Nanaimo…who are helping us build a stronger, better place to raise our children and our grandchildren,” Hais said.

The latest infusion of Federal Government cash to the Port follows a more than $6 million announcement last year for the new vehicle processing centre beside the cruise ship terminal.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes