(Saint John, N.B.) The Saint John Port Authority announced today it has awarded the contract for the construction of the much anticipated cruise terminal building on Water Street to Marco Maritimes Ltd. for the tendered sum of $8.7 million dollars. Construction is slated to proceed immediately.

The project will consist of a two storey building and elevated walkway. A lower floor area equaling 15,770 Sq. Ft and an upper mezzanine floor equaling 8,800 sq. ft. The Port Authority offices will be moving into the facility upon completion. The terminal building project will complement the Saint John Development Corporation’s plans to develop and enhance Water Street as unveiled jointly by both organizations in 2006.

“We are delighted to be moving forward with this project,” exclaimed Stephen Campbell, Chairman of the Board for the Saint John Port Authority, “After careful consideration of all the submissions, we feel confident that the proposal by Marco Maritimes Ltd. will best suit the needs of the Port Authority, as well as the needs of our continually growing cruise sector.”

“We anticipate completion before the high end of our cruise season begins in September,” explained Captain Alwyn G. Soppitt, President & CEO of the Saint John Port Authority, “During this time period, we will be directing the majority of our cruise traffic to our Long Wharf facility and Pugsley Terminal will only be used on the days we expect multiple ships. To this end, the Port Authority is developing an operational plan for Pugsley Terminal to ensure the efficient and safe movement of our visitors in this area. This will include directing passengers to the north end of the pier, clear of construction and using Pugsley Park as the ground transportation area”

This will be a record year for cruise traffic in the Port. Saint John is set to welcome 82 ships and over 180,000 passengers during the 2008 season. This represents an increase of more than 40% over 2007’s numbers.

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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For More Information, contact:

Bill Eaton
Public Relations
Saint John Port Authority
506-636-4674
beaton@sjport.comrs.