The 2024 performance insight report for Port Saint John signals a strong recovery at the harbour.
The report shows revenue increased 94 per cent over the past decade, rising from $15.9 million in 2014 to $31.4 million in 2024.
Container volume grew 20 per cent from 2023 to 2024, and 1,027 vessels passed through the harbour last year.
CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks said the growth depends on smart investment and strong partnerships.
“We are early in our journey, and I think it’s up to us as the port and our major private partners to show what a thriving port means to our community,” he said.
Container shipping remains a major contributor to the port’s growth, with 184,879 TEUs processed in 2024 and projections to exceed 200,000 TEUs in 2025.
Upgrades, including the installation of two new cranes and ongoing modernization efforts on the Westside, are critical in meeting this rising demand.
He added that even robust growth means little without quality service.
“To see numbers steadily climb is great. But if you are not serving customers well and they are not happy with the service they receive, these figures will be short-lived. We need this to be long-term,” Estabrooks said.
The report also highlights upcoming developments. Americold’s new cold storage facility is under construction and will introduce refrigerated cargo handling at Port Saint John.
When operational, the project is expected to create up to 100 jobs over time.
The CEO of Port Saint John also explained that the shutdown of the Barrack Point potash terminal in 2024 led to important infrastructure upgrades that are aiming to further improve harbour operations.
With a $40 million revenue target set for 2026, Estabrooks said the port will continue investing in projects, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enhancing customer service to secure lasting benefits for the region.
