DP World breaks ground on Duke Point Terminal expansion on Vancouver Island

UAE port developer and operator DP World officially launched construction of the Duke Point Terminal expansion on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on Tuesday, April 8.

With support from the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, DP World's Duke Point Terminal project will significantly increase operational efficiency and handling capacities.

Once completed, the terminal’s berth length will nearly double from 182 metres to 325 metres, while cargo handling capacity will expand to 280,000 TEUs annually.

This will enable Duke Point Terminal to serve larger international vessels, provide improved services for importers and exporters, and facilitate smoother regional and international trade. Additionally, the project establishes a robust short-sea shipping connection between Nanaimo and Vancouver, improving trade routes to key Asian markets.

The terminal expansion will also feature additional storage capacities designed to accommodate a wider array of cargo, including a dedicated covered storage area for pulp products.

DP World is also replacing the existing diesel-powered quay crane with two fully electric cranes.

The project is supported by Snuneymuxw First Nation’s free, prior and informed consent, and is supported by a 50-year lease agreement between DP World and the Port of Nanaimo.

The project was funded through combined public and private investments, including CA$46.2 million (US$32.6 million) from the Canadian Federal Government and CA$15 million (US$11 million) from the Province of British Columbia.