Port of Montreal, DP World Canada sign JDA for Contrecœur expansion project

As part of the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and DP World in Canada (a joint venture between DP World and La Caisse) have entered into a Joint Development Agreement for the design of the land-based works of the future container terminal.

“The agreement with DP World here in Canada marks a decisive step in realizing the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur. By leveraging innovation, sustainability, and the expertise of a world-class partner, we are strengthening the Port of Montreal’s strategic role as an economic engine for Quebec and Canada. This project is designed not only to meet the growing need for business diversification but also to create long-term value by supporting Canadian economic sovereignty as global trade evolves. We are a maritime nation, and the future of international commerce will pass through our ports,” said Julie Gascon, president and CEO, Montreal Port Authority.

Selected for its international expertise in operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable development, DP World will make the future Contrecœur terminal its sixth port facility in Canada, joining Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Saint John, and Vancouver. Globally, DP World operates in more than 60 ports and terminals across 64 countries.

Under the joint development agreement, the MPA and DP World’s Canadian operations will, in the coming months, finalize the terminal’s design as well as the terms of the construction and operating contract, which will take effect with the start of land works.

“We’re honoured to deliver this transformational project, which will elevate the Port of Montreal’s role in global trade and diversify Canadian trade. More importantly, the Contrecœur terminal will serve as a true economic engine for Quebec and Eastern Canada—creating thousands of jobs during construction and driving long-term prosperity through expanded trade capacity. This project will not only strengthen the region’s position in global commerce but also deliver lasting benefits for local communities and businesses,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada.

The Port of Montreal Contrecoeur Terminal is No. 75 on ReNew Canada’s 2025 Top100 Projects report.

As announced in October 2023, the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project is based on a hybrid approach:

• In-water works are overseen by the MPA and have been planned in collaboration with CTCGP (Pomerleau and Aecon) using a collaborative design-build approach.
• Land works and operations will be under the responsibility of DP World, which will lead the construction of the terminal (container yard, buildings, utilities, and rail connection) and ensure its operation and maintenance for the next 40 years.

Next key steps in the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project:

2025

• Start of site preparation work (subject to obtaining the required approval)
• Launch of the design phase for land works in collaboration with DP World, including the selection of a designer as part of this process.

2026

• Start of in-water works
• Finalization of the terminal design
• Finalization of the construction and operating agreement with DP World

2027

• Start of land-based works

2030

• Completion of works and commissioning of the new container terminal.

In parallel, the MPA continues to develop and implement compensation plans, monitoring programs, and mitigation measures required to comply with the conditions of the favorable decision received for the project in March 2021. The compensation plans and monitoring programs, developed in collaboration with experts from government agencies and in consultation with the relevant Indigenous communities, are submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) in their final form and subsequently made public, in accordance with established procedures.

Located in an industrial zone, the Contrecœur land reserve was acquired over 30 years ago by the Montreal Port Authority and has been the focus of thorough collaborative planning to support the development of the supply chain in Quebec and the rest of Canada. With the support of its public and private partners, including financial support from the governments of Canada and Quebec, the Port of Montreal is developing an advanced new container terminal able to handle 1.15 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2030, when it is expected to be fully operational. Construction work will generate about 8,000 jobs and cover two berths, a large container handling area, an intermodal rail yard connected to the main network, a truck gate connected to the road network, and support facilities. Advantageously located in the country’s main pool of consumers and importers, close to major rail and road routes, the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion will strengthen a world-class logistics hub in the heart of the St. Lawrence Valley.

Featured image: (Port of Montreal)