Transport Canada announced an investment to build a new marine container examination facility within the Port of Halifax. The new facility will replace the existing off-site facility, significantly reducing inspection turn-around times, reducing port congestion, and improving the efficiency, safety, security and operations for the Canada Border Services Agency.
“The funding of the Port of Halifax’s marine container examination facility is an example of an excellent investment for business, Halifax, the environment, and the Government of Canada,” said Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra. “With one project, we can increase inspection efficiencies for business and federal agencies, reduce traffic congestion and reduce pollution for the residents of Halifax.”
The Government of Canada will invest $7 million in the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund and Halifax Port Authority will contribute $8 million, for a total investment of $15 million towards the project.
“This important investment in the Port of Halifax facilitates increased trade by improving the flow of container cargo to and from the container terminals and the new marine container examination facility,” said Capt. Allan Gray, president and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “This will help to improve the port’s ability to safely and efficiently grow trade through our international gateway in a sustainable manner.”
This facility will improve container production rates while decreasing wait times for designated container inspections. The project will allow continued growth for the Halifax Port Authority and increase supply chain effectiveness, which will enable Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets. Additional benefits include the reduction of container truck traffic and pollution in downtown Halifax.
“This important infrastructure investment comes at the exact right moment as we set our sights on the future prosperity of our port, our local economy, and our people,” said Andy Fillmore, MP for Halifax. “The new container examination facility will improve efficiency of our port, reduce traffic congestion on our streets, and help cut emissions.”
Featured image: (Port of Halifax)
