The first phase of work on the South End Container Terminal extension at the Port of Halifax is well underway, according to the port authority.
The work involves dredging of soft material that has accumulated over time.
The first phase of the project is over 50% complete. The next phase, construction of concrete caissons, will begin in the coming weeks.
Construction will take place at Richmond Terminals and completed caissons will be barged for placement.
The purpose of the extension is to ensure the Port of Halifax can berth and service two of the Ultra-Class vessels (over 350 meters length overall) now serving trade routes along the East Coast of North America.
This extension will provide the critical schedule reliability that carriers require and allow the port to preserve cargo-related jobs and ensure Canadian cargo does not flow through U.S. ports.