How Canadian ports can modernize to keep up with global counterparts

A report by a public policy think tank says the Port of Halifax needs to modernize or risk falling behind.

The Halifax Port Authority is planning for the future.

It updates its 50-year strategy as needed, looking for ways to grow. The port currently connects with more than 150 countries, but according to a new report by independent public policy think-tank MEI, Canadian ports need to modernize otherwise they will fall behind.

“What we want to see, especially when we consider the looming threat of U.S. tariffs, is Canadian ports performing much better in terms of productivity,” said Shal Marriott, a research associate with MEI.

MEI said Canadian ports rank among the least productive, both worldwide and among similar sized ports, according to the World Bank’s Global Port Index. However, Halifax is the only Canadian port that places in the top 100 – ranking 95 out of 405.

“I would say we should be doing much, much better than that,” said Marriott. “Halifax is also a smaller port, so really 95th is nothing to brag home about. It should be looking for ways to improve, to modernize, and to benefit not only the local economy, but the entire Canadian economy.”

The Halifax Port Authority said it hasn’t yet had a chance to review the MEI report.

“With respect to infrastructure, the Port of Halifax has a 50-year plan to guide port expansion and next steps. The plan, published in 2022, looks at benchmarks that would trigger expansion,” said a spokesperson in an email to CTV News.

“At the Port of Halifax, we work collaboratively with our Port partners including our container terminal operator PSA Halifax, our rail provider CN and our dedicated ILA labour force to move import and export cargo to markets here and around the world.”

MEI said there are a number of ways Canadian ports can modernize.

“It’s really port specific based on their own needs. An example which comes to mind that we see in some of the top performing ports are integrating wireless systems more comprehensively,” said Marriott. “Or even we might think of container identification.”

According to MEI, another way is through automation, which is something the Halifax International Longshoremen’s Association has been strongly against.

“The reality is that automation is about cutting costs, not increasing productivity,” said ILA Local 269 president Kevin Piper in a statement to CTV News.

“Just look at the 85,000 ILA workers in the U.S., who are set to ratify a new contract that drastically limits automation at ports along the U.S. seaboard and Gulf Coast. Those ports are thriving while protecting good, middle-class jobs. Halifax should be focused on modernization that enhances efficiency and competitiveness without eliminating the skilled workforce that keeps our port running.”

While Halifax cracked the top 100 on the list, MEI said Montreal ranked 351, Vancouver was at 363 and Prince Rupert was ranked 397.

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