DP World has officially commenced construction on the expansion of the Duke Point Terminal, an initiative designed to significantly improve Vancouver Island’s connectivity to international markets. The launch event featured representatives from the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Port of Nanaimo, and DP World, who participated in a ceremonial land blessing and sod-turning. This expansion project, with the backing of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, aims to enhance operational efficiency and increase cargo-handling capacity.
Upon completion, the terminal’s berth will almost double in length—from 182 meters to 325 meters—and the terminal will be capable of handling up to 280,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. These improvements will enable the terminal to accommodate larger vessels and streamline services for importers and exporters, ultimately facilitating more efficient regional and international trade. Additionally, a direct short-sea shipping route between Nanaimo and Vancouver will help enhance trade connections to crucial Asian markets.
The Duke Point expansion will also increase storage capabilities, including a dedicated 26,000 square-foot area for pulp products. In an environmentally friendly move, the existing diesel-powered quay crane will be replaced with two electric cranes. With a 50-year lease agreement in place, DP World’s project has been made possible through investments that include $46.2 million from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund and $15 million from the Province of British Columbia’s Regional Port Enhancement Program.
Leaders from various organizations have expressed their support for the project, highlighting its importance to local economies and sustainable development. Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, emphasized that the expansion will position Vancouver Island as a significant hub for global trade, aiming for a sustainable supply chain approach. Chief Mike Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation reinforced the project’s alignment with the community’s economic goals and heritage.