DP World has officially launched the construction of the Duke Point Terminal expansion, aiming to enhance Vancouver Island’s connectivity and trade resilience with global markets.
With support from Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, DP World’s Duke Point Terminal project is expected to increase operational efficiency and handling capacities. Once completed, the terminal’s berth length will nearly double from 182 metres to 325 metres, while annual cargo-handling capacity will expand to 280,000 TEUs.
This will enable the Canadian terminal to handle larger vessels, provide improved services, and facilitate smoother regional and international trade. Additionally, the project will establish 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 26,000 square-foot covered storage area for pulp products.
DP World will also replace the existing diesel-powered quay crane with two fully electric cranes.
The project was funded through combined public and private investments, including US$46.2 million from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and US$15 million from the Province of British Columbia under the Regional Port Enhancement Program, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan.
Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, commented: “By expanding Duke Point Terminal, we’re not just building additional infrastructure – we’re investing in a future where Vancouver Island is a key driver of global trade. The extended berth will help position Vancouver Island as a key hub for international commerce, underscoring our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable, resilient supply chains.”
George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit, on behalf of Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit., Province of BC, said: “This project will create opportunities for local industries, support good-paying jobs, and strengthen supply chains—enhancing our global competitiveness while building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
