Americold opens cold storage import-export hub at Port Saint John

Americold Realty Trust has opened a temperature-controlled import-export hub at Port Saint John in New Brunswick, a facility the company says is the first to integrate its cold storage operations with DP World’s maritime logistics services and CPKC’s rail network at a single site.

The facility, officially opened June 18 during Port Days 2026, was developed in partnership with CPKC and DP World. It is designed to improve the movement of perishable goods between inland production regions and international markets.

“This opening leverages our collaboration with leading global trade and transportation partners, creating a uniquely integrated solution to move temperature-sensitive products between inland production regions and international markets more efficiently and reliably,” said Rob Chambers, chief executive officer at Americold. “It is another example of how we are evolving our network to better serve our customers through differentiated solutions that open new growth opportunities for the Company. The launch of this facility further supports our 2026 priorities and positions Americold for sustainable long-term growth and shareholder value creation.”

Located at Port Saint John, the hub provides about 22,000 pallet positions and offers direct temperature-controlled storage connected to the port without requiring drayage between ships and the warehouse. The company said the design is intended to reduce costs and transit times while supporting trade between Central and Eastern Canada and Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.

“The grand opening of this new cold storage facility at Port Saint John marks an important milestone in CPKC’s growing collaboration with Americold,” said Keith Creel, president and chief executive officer of CPKC. “By combining this state-of-the-art facility with CPKC’s three-nation rail service, we are creating a new temperature-controlled supply chain that connects Atlantic Canada to key markets across Canada and throughout North America. Working with Americold and JD Irving’s NBM Railways, CPKC has helped deliver a secure, seamless and integrated solution that is truly unique and one our competitors simply cannot replicate.”

Port Saint John officials said the project strengthens the port’s role as a gateway for containerized trade and supports continued investment in port and rail infrastructure.