Aecon, Pomerleau enter new phase of Montreal port work

Key Takeaways:

• CTCGP (Pomerleau 60% / Aecon 40%) will handle dredging and dock/quay/return walls, with preparatory work underway now.
• Construction targeted to start in 2026; two berths (675 m) slated to be operational in 2029, with overall completion anticipated in 2030.
• The terminal is designed for up to 1.15M TEU, positioned as Eastern Canada’s largest container port development, using a progressive design-build model to improve cost/schedule predictability and meet environmental requirements.

The Whole Story:

A consortium led by Pomerleau and Aecon says it is moving into the next phase of work on the Port of Montreal’s Contrecoeur container terminal expansion, a multibillion-dollar project billed as a key boost to Canada’s trade capacity and supply chain.

Aecon Group Inc. says they have reached financial close on a $609-million design-build contract covering in-water works at the site. The contract was finalized under a progressive, collaborative design-build model with the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). Aecon holds a 40% stake in the Contrecoeur Terminal Constructors General Partnership, with Pomerleau holding 60%.

The scope includes preparatory work, dredging, and construction of dock infrastructure, quay walls, return walls and auxiliary activities. Aecon said preparatory work will begin immediately, with construction expected to start in 2026 and completion anticipated in 2030.

Pomerleau said the marine package will deliver two berths totalling 675 metres, with facilities designed to handle up to 1.15 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The consortium said work will ramp up “between now and October 27,” and that the new berths are expected to be operational in 2029. The differing timelines reflect phased delivery of components within the overall program.

“In 2024, CTCGP entered into an agreement for the design phase of the marine works for this port expansion project, using a collaborative design-build approach,” the partners said, adding that the method is intended to improve cost and schedule predictability and risk management. In-water activities will be carried out in accordance with environmental laws and regulations, they said.

“The Port of Montreal expansion is a strategic project that will strengthen economic resilience at a critical time for Quebec and Canada, and it is a privilege to be part of it,” said Philippe Adam, president and CEO of Pomerleau. “The collaborative model enables highly precise water work through the integration of innovations on this complex project. We are ready to launch this project which is critical to the vitality of our supply chain.”

“Aecon is proud to be playing a key role in delivering the Port of Montreal Expansion – a major project that is leading the way in building a stronger economy,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO of Aecon Group Inc. “Reaching financial close on the in-water works contract demonstrates the successful collaboration achieved during the development phase and we look forward to working with the Montreal Port Authority and our partner to safely deliver this critical project.”

The MPA has described Contrecoeur as the largest container port development in Eastern Canada. The terminal will be connected to major rail and highway corridors to serve Canadian importers and exporters.