Quebec City port authority plans to build $775M container terminal with two big-name partners

QUEBEC CITY—The Quebec Port Authority (QPA) has signed a long-term deal with CN Rail and global port operator Hutchison Ports to develop a major container terminal in Quebec City.

The $775 million project is still being reviewed by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, but the three-party agreement stipulates Hutchison would develop “the most environmentally and technologically advanced cargo-handling facility in North America.”

Previously known as the Beauport 2020 project, the port authority has rebranded the major development as Laurentia. It says because of Quebec City’s location on the St. Lawrence River, the facility would be the only inland terminal on the continent capable of handling the next generation of large cargo vessels.

“With its fully intermodal deep-water port, its strategic location to reach the Midwest market, and the strong support shown by the local authorities, the Quebec project has all the attributes to be successful in this highly important market,” Eric Ip, the group managing director for Hutchison Ports, said in a statement.

The project would require significant construction work, including a 610-metre extension to the existing wharf line, the development of 17.5 hectares of the surrounding area and the construction of a retaining dike and breakwater. New connections to roads and rail lines would also be part of the job.

The work would create more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase.

If the project is granted environmental approval, the majority of the funding for the terminal will come from the three partners. Talks for additional financing with the federal and provincial governments are ongoing.