Infrastructure investments across Canadian ports are increasingly focused on improving cargo flow while reducing emissions and congestion.
The Port of Halifax has welcomed two new electric rail cranes at PSA Halifax’s Atlantic Hub terminal, introducing the port’s first remotely operated yard equipment.
Installed as electric rail-mounted gantry cranes, they are expected to increase rail handling capacity, improve terminal efficiency, and support lower-emission port operations.
Containers moving by rail shuttle between the Atlantic Hub terminal and PSA Halifax's Fairview Cove terminal will be loaded and unloaded using the new equipment.
Operators will be able to control the cranes remotely from a central control room. This is expected to improve safety and working conditions by reducing the need to work at height or in changing weather conditions. It will also improve yard accuracy and throughput.
Supporting rail capacity at the Port of Halifax
The investment is part of the Inter-Terminal Rail Solution Project, a multi-year initiative led by the Halifax Port Authority and supported by Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF).
The project is designed to optimize the railhead at Atlantic Hub and increase the port’s rail capacity to meet growing demand.
Expanded rail capacity is also expected to support full container trains moving from Halifax to inland destinations such as Toronto, Montreal, and other Canadian markets.
Reducing emissions and truck traffic
The new electric rail cranes are expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 640 tonnes annually.
Shifting more container movement to rail is also projected to significantly reduce truck traffic on Halifax's urban roads, with a targeted reduction of up to 75% in truck traffic generated by port activities.
Comment nous pouvons vous aider
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting services to help Canadian businesses plan their imports and move goods efficiently across borders.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how we can support more reliable cargo movement into Canada.
