Canada powers up port projects

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) has launched a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction planning and delivery of the landmass and wharf component of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) Project at the Port of Vancouver. The planned terminal will have an annual capacity of 2.4 million TEU, with construction scheduled to begin in 2028 and operations expected to commence by the mid-2030s.

According to the port authority, RBT2 will be a state-of-the-art marine container terminal and will support Canada’s trade diversification strategy by enabling more than C$100bn in new trade capacity, while contributing an estimated C$3bn annually to national GDP.

The contract includes the development of a 100ha marine landmass, a 35ha widened causeway, a 1300m wharf and berth pocket, and an expanded tug basin. It also incorporates environmental features, including a marine terminal fish passage to support juvenile salmon migration, and civil works for habitat enhancement and the South Arm Jetty Tidal Marsh Project (a key initiative identified by First Nations to support fish and wildlife).

“We’re excited to issue the request for qualifications today and move this vital project forward,” said Victor Pang, Chief Financial Officer at the port authority, adding: “To meet Canada’s needs in today’s rapidly evolving trade landscape, we’ve accelerated our efforts to deliver RBT2, a project that will enhance Canada’s economic security and trade resilience. The terminal will serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, from supporting Prairie grain exports and B.C.’s forestry sector to ensuring communities have access to reliable and affordable goods.”

Following federal and provincial approval in 2023, the port authority submitted a Fisheries Act Authorisation application in 2024, compliant with the Species at Risk Act. A decision on this final major permit is expected no later than October 2026, under a joint commitment with regulators and government.

At the same time, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has submitted its notice of intent to begin preliminary construction work for the new Contrecœur container terminal expansion as early as September 29, 2025, pending receipt of the final required approvals.

Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, notes: “This step allows us to meet the conditions required to move forward with a project that positions Quebec and Canada more strongly to diversify international trade. Once all the necessary approvals are in place, we’ll be ready to begin work on this major strategic project that is essential to the future of our supply chains.”

MPA further confirms that the initial work will primarily focus on preparing the project site for “more significant construction activities” which could take place in 2026 (subject to receiving the appropriate regulatory approvals).

The Contrecœur site is planning to offer an annual container capacity of 1.15 million TEU, with two berths, a rail yard and connected services in an industrial zone. Operations are currently expected to commence by 2030. It is being built to complement the existing city-based terminals, not to replace them.

As PS goes to press, the news also breaks that a joint venture a joint venture between DP World and La Caisse) have entered into a Joint Development Agreement for the design of the land-based works of the future container terminal. The official signing of the agreement, which took place on August 28, 2025.