DP World Canada Showcases Breakbulk Capabilities

DP World is reaping the rewards of significant investments in its multipurpose terminal at Port Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada, as the facility emerges as a key player in North America’s breakbulk supply chain. The Dubai-based global port operator tells Breakbulk how cargo handling solutions for industries such as automotive, construction, renewable energy and agriculture are revolutionizing the way goods move through the Atlantic Gateway.


Since 2017, DP World has operated a dynamic, multipurpose terminal at Port Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada, a facility that acts as a crucial link in the global supply chain for container, bulk and breakbulk cargo.

Strategically located on the Atlantic coast just 110 kilometers from the U.S. border, Port Saint John offers the fastest and most efficient access to North American markets for European goods, making it a key gateway for both Canadian and U.S. customers. DP World’s bold investments in the port are reshaping the terminal’s future, with plans to continue expanding its capabilities over the course of a 30-year lease.

A key highlight of this transformation came last year, with the installation of two post-Panamax cranes that have helped boost terminal capacity by up to 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs), marking a significant milestone in the port’s US$205 million modernization project – a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick and Port Saint John.

But the real game-changer at Port Saint John lies in DP World’s cutting-edge breakbulk capabilities. By tailoring supply chain solutions for industries such as automotive, construction, renewable energy and agriculture, DP World is revolutionizing the way goods move through the Atlantic Gateway. Take, for instance, a recent project involving 7,500 tonnes of pulp imported from Brazil.

In July, DP World’s team at Port Saint John received the shipment of pulp from Brazil’s Port of Itaqui. Pulp is a versatile material used in products ranging from books and tissues to high-tech items like car filters and LCD screens. Canada used to be a major exporter of pulp, but today, pulp is sourced primarily from South America, where fast-growing eucalyptus trees provide a more sustainable option. Canada imports around 10% of the five million tonnes of pulp that enter North America each year. This shipment was distributed from the Port of Saint John to Montreal and Toronto by rail.

“To better facilitate this partnership, we significantly upgraded our Saint John terminal’s capacity,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World Canada. “Our facility now includes 500,000 square feet of bonded warehousing space, and we introduced a specialized operating team across our network of pulp handling facilities to optimize the logistics of these imports. With these enhancements, we aim to handle up to 300,000 tonnes annually.”

This successful collaboration is a testament to the power of DP World’s global network. After a visit to Suzano – one of the world’s largest pulp and paper producers – two years ago, DP World demonstrated its expertise and was soon handling Suzano’s cargo on a specially chartered ship. That summer shipment led to even larger orders, with two more scheduled for September and October.

“This initiative highlights the growing importance of intra-Americas trade, particularly between Canada and Brazil, as it strengthens the trade connections between North and South America,” Smith said. “This new venture not only advances our logistical capabilities but also commits to sustainable supply chain practices, supporting both regions’ economic growth and environmental goals.”

As DP World ramps up operations, the next wave of pulp imports will further cement Port Saint John’s role as a critical player in North America’s breakbulk supply chain. With its innovative solutions and expanding capabilities, DP World is set to drive economic growth and elevate Saint John to new heights in the global logistics landscape.


Read more: DP World Canada Sets Sights on Expansion

We caught up with DP World Canada’s Kurtis Dool at Breakbulk Americas 2024 in Houston: