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.

major fundraiser

Annual Tour de Rock prepares for 1,200-kilometre ride down Vancouver Island

5h ago

Roughing it

People to sleep on flattened cardboard to support Nanaimo area youth

8h ago

New Season

Veteran laden Clippers have big expectations for 2024-25 BCHL season

10h ago

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