Canadian Pacific (CP) and Hapag-Lloyd AG have announced an additional call into Port Saint John, N.B., via a seasonal extra loader in another step forward for the growing Atlantic Canada port.

The companies said this additional call follows their inaugural service call into Port Saint John in May 2021, connecting via CP rail service to inland markets in Canada and the United States.

"We are thrilled to see Hapag-Lloyd add a second solution into Port Saint John, further unlocking the port's potential for CP customers and the North American supply chain," said John Brooks, CP executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. "Port Saint John offers a congestion-free gateway to Canadian and US markets. In combination with DP World, CP's East Coast Advantage provides the fastest and most reliable transit into Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago."

CP regained access to Port Saint John in June 2020 with the strategic acquisition of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway, which has connections with the Eastern Maine and New Brunswick Southern railways.

It noted that this vital link to Port Saint John provides the shortest route between Atlantic Canada and North American inland markets, including a 269-mile advantage over our competition to Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago, creating value for shippers across North America.

"We are excited to be able to offer another product to our customers both in the US and Canada," said Uffe Ostergaard, president of Hapag-Lloyd Americas. "This seasonal product will be particularly beneficial in connecting customers in inland locations in the US Midwest and throughout Canada with key North European ports."

Port Saint John has embarked on an enhanced modernization program that will increase container capacity to 800,000 TEUs and provide additional on-dock rail capacity in the coming months and years.

Craig Bell Estabrooks, CEO, Port Saint John welcomed Hapag-Lloyd's second connection at Port Saint John, linking this Port with markets in Northern Europe.

"Choosing the Port for this product highlights the importance of a diversified supply chain. Through modernizing our infrastructure, adding DP World, a world-class terminal operator, and being reconnected to CP's network, we have solidified our place amongst the major container ports in Canada," Estabrooks added.

Port Saint John is Eastern Canada's largest port by volume and has a diverse cargo base, handling an average of 28 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, including dry and liquid bulks, breakbulk, and containers.

CP said with 56 acres of terminal area, DP World Saint John offers year-round, ice-free access, with a deep draft and no air draft restrictions.

Matthew Leech, chief executive officer, and managing director, Americas Region, DP World also welcomed the new connection.

"As an end-to-end logistics solutions provider, DP World Saint John has ample capacity to provide reliable, congestion-free service for carriers and shippers. This service will help to further strengthen the global supply chain while generating sustainable economic growth for the region," Leech said.