In 2005 cargo tonnage at the Port of Saint John totaled over 27 million metric tonnes, compared with just over 26 million metric in the previous year. This is comprised of 26 million metric tonnes at private facilities, and almost 1.4 million metric tonnes at Port Authority facilities.
The major challenge facing the port last year came as a result of the closure of the St. Anne-Nackawic mill. During year the port community experienced the full impact of this event with only 153,000 metric tonnes of forest products shipped. The loss of this break bulk cargo, a labor-intensive commodity, resulted in a 40% decrease in man-hours for port labour, significant decreases for the terminal operator, Logistec Stevedoring Atlantic, and the loss of two major shipping lines which called for this product. With the mill now back in production the port community is hopeful that these exports will soon return to the Port of Saint John.
Increases at the port were largely due to another record year in the petroleum sector and a 3% increase in containers handled at Brunswick Terminals Inc.
Cruise sector results place the 2005-year as the third best on record for the Port of Saint John with over 90,000 guests on 37 vessels. These results follow a record-breaking 2004 season and compare favorably with slight increases experienced each year in the five years preceding. Prospects in the cruise industry continue to be extremely encouraging.
Market demand and business fluctuations in the dry bulk and other break bulk sectors affected tonnage last year; however, these losses are expected to be temporary and recovery is also expected for these sectors in 2006.
The Port of Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest and most diverse marine gateway, is a bulk and break bulk port with the capacity to handle containers and is the second busiest port of call for cruise ships operating in Atlantic Canada.
The Port is a commercially viable, self-sufficient business enterprise and a cornerstone of the local economy. It is a critical component of the region’s transportation infrastructure essential to many of New Brunswick’s major industries engaged in international trade and provides deep-water, ice-free access to shipping year round.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alwyn G. Soppitt
President & CEO
Saint John Port Authority
Tel: (506) 636-5377
Or
Paula Small
Executive Assistant/Public Relations Officer
Saint John Port Authority
Tel: (506) 636-5377 or
(506) 650-5288
