Canpotex Invests in Portland Port Terminal

Canpotex, a joint venture of three Saskatchewan-based potash producers,  is planning to invest up to USD 140 million in new equipment and infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its shiploading operations and the management of Canpotex’s white potash products at the Port of Portland’s marine Terminal 5 in the Rivergate Industrial District, Washington, the U.S.A.

A new shiploader, improved control system technology and an upgraded conveyance system will enable shorter turnaround times for Canpotex trains and ships at PBT. A new storage building will allow the potash exporter to better manage its products at the terminal.

“This investment is great for Canpotex and the Port because it improves the speed and quality of our operations at the terminal. But it’s not just our company that benefits; we are doing our part to try to build efficiency into the transportation system in the Pacific Northwest corridor,” said Canpotex’s Steve Dechka, president and chief executive officer.

Canpotex is a joint venture among three Province of Saskatchewan, Canada potash producers: Agrium, Mosaic and PotashCorp. In addition to PBT, Canpotex has terminal operations at Neptune Terminal in Vancouver, B.C.

Potash, also known as potassium chloride, helps increase crop yields as a mineral nutrient used in fertilizer applications. More than two million metric tons of Saskatchewan potash is exported through Portland annually to international markets including Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

“This is yet another prime example of the influx of private investments in marine industrial facilities on our river system,” said Bill Wyatt, executive director for the Port of Portland.

“Since completion of the Columbia River channel deepening project in 2010, companies have initiated and committed investments totaling more than USD 866 million in Portland facilities and approximately USD 3.7 billion along the river system to date.”