Halifax port adds electric cranes to boost rail capacity, cut emissions

The Port of Halifax has received two new electric rail-mounted gantry cranes at PSA Halifax’s Atlantic Hub terminal, marking the introduction of remotely operated yard equipment at the facility.

The cranes allow operators to control movements from a centralized control room, eliminating the need to work at height or in variable weather conditions. Port officials say the change is expected to improve safety, comfort and operational accuracy while increasing throughput in yard operations.

The electric units are also expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 640 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing nearly 140 passenger vehicles from the road.

The investment is part of the Inter-Terminal Rail Solution Project, a multi-year initiative led by the Halifax Port Authority and supported by Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund. The project includes optimizing the railhead at Atlantic Hub to scale capacity in line with growing demand.

The cranes will handle loading and unloading of containers for rail shuttles between PSA Halifax’s Atlantic Hub and Fairview Cove terminals. The port says the system will remove up to 75 per cent of truck traffic generated by port activity from Halifax’s urban roads.

Increased rail capacity will also allow the port to handle full container trains to Toronto, Montreal and other destinations, further supporting its positioning as a “big ships – big trains” gateway on Canada’s East Coast.

“These new cranes are an investment in people and performance,” said Fulvio Fracassi, president and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority. “As the new railyard is built at the Atlantic Hub terminal, the cranes are key elements contributing to safe, resilient operations and terminal efficiency.”

Duncan Glass, chief executive officer of PSA Halifax, said the equipment improves both safety and sustainability.

“The new electric rail-mounted gantry cranes enable remotely operated yard operations, enhancing safety and working conditions for our team,” he said.

“The use of electric equipment also supports PSA International’s sustainability goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Collectively, these upgrades strengthen the reliability of rail operations and enable faster, more efficient cargo flow for customers across the region.”