DP World breaks ground on Duke Point expansion project

Key Takeaways

• DP World’s Duke Point Terminal expansion will nearly double berth length and increase cargo capacity to 280,000 TEUs annually, allowing it to accommodate larger international vessels and strengthen trade links, especially with Asia.
• The project is built on meaningful partnerships with Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, featuring sustainable upgrades like electric quay cranes and a new covered storage facility for pulp products.
• The expansion is backed by a 50-year lease agreement and substantial funding, including $46.2M from the federal government and $15M from B.C., reflecting strong support for regional economic growth and trade infrastructure.

The Whole Story

DP World, a global logistics and supply chain company, officially launched construction of the Duke Point Terminal expansion in B.C., aimed at enhancing Vancouver Island’s connectivity and trade resilience with global markets. Representatives from the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Port of Nanaimo, and DP World marked the occasion with a ceremonial land blessing and sod-turning event. 

With support from Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, DP World’s Duke Point Terminal project will significantly increase operational efficiency and handling capacities. Once completed, the terminal’s berth length will nearly double from 182 metres to 325 metres, while cargo-handling capacity will expand to 280,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. 

This will enable Duke Point Terminal to serve larger international vessels, provide improved services for importers and exporters, and facilitate smoother regional and international trade. Additionally, the project establishes a robust short-sea shipping connection between Nanaimo and Vancouver, improving trade routes to key Asian markets. 

The terminal expansion will also feature additional storage capacities designed to accommodate a wider array of cargo, including a dedicated 26,000 square-foot covered storage area for pulp products. DP World is also replacing the existing diesel-powered quay crane with two fully electric cranes. 

The project is supported by Snuneymuxw First Nation’s free, prior and informed consent, and is supported by a 50-year lease agreement between DP World and the Port of Nanaimo, both of which were important first steps in the planned terminal expansion. The project was funded through combined public and private investments, including $46.2 million from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and $15 million from the Province of British Columbia under the Regional Port Enhancement Program, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan.