DP World marks 20 years in Canada with $1.7B investment

DP World says it has invested more than $1.7 billion in Canada since 2006 as it marks 20 years of operations in the country.

The company said the investments in port and logistics infrastructure are estimated to support up to 100,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, based on terminal throughput and port economic impact benchmarks. The figure includes longshore labour, contractors and workers across the broader supply chain.

DP World said it has expanded from a terminal operator into an integrated logistics provider, with investments spanning marine terminals, inland logistics and supply chain services.

“Our $1.7 billion investment over the past 20 years reflects a long-term commitment to Canada’s trade future,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “Beyond infrastructure, these investments support tens of thousands of jobs and help Canadian businesses compete globally. As trade evolves, we remain focused on building the capacity and capabilities needed to support the next phase of growth and global connectivity.”

The company operates five marine terminals in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, Fraser Surrey and Saint John, along with seven contract logistics and freight forwarding sites in Ontario and Quebec.

DP World said it has handled more than 20 million loaded twenty-foot equivalent units over two decades, while container capacity has expanded from 850,000 TEUs to a projected 8.3 million TEUs.

The company highlighted several recent investments, including a $134-million expansion at Nanaimo’s Duke Point terminal that is expected to nearly double berth length and increase capacity, and a $150-million transload facility at Fraser Surrey supporting canola oil exports.

In Saint John, DP World said volumes have increased more than 300 per cent since 2017 following a $247-million modernization project, with the terminal handling nearly 240,000 TEUs in 2025.

The company is also a partner in the development of a new container terminal in Contrecœur, Que., aimed at expanding capacity along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

DP World said it has also expanded inland logistics operations in Ontario and Quebec, employing more than 300 people across warehousing, automotive logistics and freight forwarding services.

The company added that its Canadian investments include sustainability initiatives such as a hydrogen-powered crane pilot at the Port of Vancouver, marine conservation programs and Green Marine certification efforts.