Port of Montreal kicks off next phase of Contrecœur expansion

The Montreal Port Authority has started in‑water construction for its Contrecœur Expansion Project, moving the build of the future container terminal into a major new phase. The terminal is planned to handle 1.15 million TEUs when fully operational.

Crews are beginning work on a stone jetty that will allow heavy equipment to reach the site for wharf construction. More than 250,000 tonnes of stone have already been delivered, with several thousand more tonnes scheduled in the coming months. Sheet piles for the wharf structure are also on site.

Steel casing piles will begin arriving August 17, and wharf construction is set to start this fall. Dredging work is planned for 2027, a key step in preparing the berths and marine access.

Earlier site preparation included fencing, access roads, work platforms, targeted tree clearing, and installing offices and garages. Environmental compensation work for aquatic vegetation, wetlands and forest habitat is underway and reforestation has been completed.

Next steps include finalizing the terminal design and completing the construction and operating agreement with DP World Canada, which will run the terminal. Construction is being carried out by the Aecon–Pomerleau consortium.

Transport minister Steven MacKinnon said the work in Contrecœur marks a key step in expanding the Port of Montreal and will boost capacity, support supply chains and keep goods moving efficiently.

“By investing in modern transportation infrastructure, we are supporting economic growth, creating opportunities for exporters and importers and most importantly, building a more resilient and competitive Canadian economy.”

Montreal Port Authority CEO Paul Bird said the start of in‑water construction shows the expansion is moving ahead as planned. After months of preparation on site, the project has reached a major milestone in building the new terminal.

“This achievement clearly demonstrates the project’s progress and brings us closer to commissioning a strategic infrastructure that will support business growth, strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance Canada’s capacity to trade efficiently with international markets,” said Bird.