Port Saint John (Photo submitted)
As CN Rail blockades continue across the country, Port Saint John is raising concerns.
Port SJ has three terminals currently serviced by rail: the Barrack Point Potash Terminal, the Rodney Container Terminal, and American Iron and Metal.
Spokesperson Paula Copeland says all three industries are starting to feel the impacts.
“American Iron and Metal on the west side of the harbour, their cargo is now not coming by rail at all anymore. They had been receiving some on Friday, but it’s done,” Copeland said Tuesday.
AIM will remain open for receiving, but its shredding operation will likely have to be put on hold in the coming days due to a lack of material, she says.
Copeland says with rail at a standstill across the country, potash is also not making its way to Saint John, which could have an impact on their export contract.
“As of Friday, they advised that they have not been receiving any cargo because their cargo comes from Saskatchewan, so their cargo stopped,” she said.
Copeland says the blockade is slowing things down at the Rodney Container Terminal but hasn’t stopped entirely.
“There is still cargo moving…and working with shipping lines and rail lines,” she said.
Copeland says luckily, the port has more than one rail provider.
“Of course we’re served by CN. We’re also served by New Brunswick Southern [Railway], the short line, and that connects us to the Canadian Pacific system, which is still operating. So as opposed to some other ports, we’ve got more than one rail line,” she said.
Copeland hasn’t seen any impacts on labour at the port yet.
She’s hoping for a “quick and peaceful” resolution to the blockades before they have any long-term impacts on Saint John’s economy.
