CaDCR staff writer
Transport Canada has pledged $150 million to construct a new container terminal for the Montréal Port Authority in Contrecoeur, Québec.
The previous DBFOM procurement process, initiated in November 2021 to handle both the terminal’s construction and operation, has been scrapped in favor of a more suitable approach for the present circumstances.
Conversations with potential bidders did not yield satisfactory results for the MPA, considering evolving market trends such as interest rates and inflation since the Request for Qualifications was initiated in 2021.
The construction of the new terminal will encompass:
- A 675-meter-long dock, inclusive of ship approach area
- A rail network linking to existing Canadian National Railway (CN) tracks, complete with a railway transfer point and freight transfer hub
- Road access connecting the terminal to the public network
- Container handling yard
- Operations and administrative buildings
Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez, the, highlighted the significance of the Port of Montreal as a crucial economic catalyst for Quebec and Montreal, emphasizing its vital role in the national supply chain. The expansion of the Port in Contrecœur is a strategic move to fortify Canada’s supply chain and prevent future product shortages and associated price hikes, as witnessed during the pandemic.
The funding “is pivotal for enhancing the economic resilience of the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes corridor, ultimately benefiting all of Canada,” officials said, and will enable the MPA to implement a new delivery model for the expansive expansion project on Montreal’s South Shore. The MPA will take on some project responsibilities and adjust the current tender call to a more flexible approach. The project will be executed in a hybrid manner:
Marine works will be entirely managed by the MPA, acting as the prime contractor. This phase encompasses dock construction and dredging work, employing a Design-Build approach with specialized assistance for the next 9 to 12 months. Subsequently, the MPA will assign project works based on its procurement processes and present an updated schedule for this component.
Land site works and operations will be carried out in partnership with a private entity. An RFP will be issued in early 2024 to select a private partner for building the terminal (container yard, buildings, facilities, and rail connection). The chosen partner will also operate and maintain the terminal under a DBFOM model, excluding the water-based project works mentioned earlier.
Deschamps affirmed that the MPA’s teams are meticulously planning the Port of Montreal’s vital Contrecœur expansion project to bolster supply chain resilience. The revised procurement process will provide better control over risks, project works, and costs, aligning effectively with the current context.
