Expert says idea of building new P.E.I. port is a bad idea

The P.E.I. government intends to explore the idea of building a new shipping port on the Island, but an expert in maritime and port systems says such a project is not feasible and could be extremely costly.

The idea was raised in the March 25 throne speech. Premier Rob Lantz's government said such a port could connect the Island's economy with new and emerging global markets.

In the legislature Tuesday, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson addressed the topic as Summerside-Wilmot MLA Tyler Desroches lobbied for Summerside's port to be home to any new operation.

"We have to diversify our markets," Hudson said, adding that tolls on the Confederation Bridge and Northumberland Ferries are a major interprovincial trade barrier and an unfair cost to Island exporters.

He said a working group was put in place "very recently" to look at what type of infrastructure would be needed to expand markets, and it would be reaching out to port authorities at all possible locations on the Island, including Summerside and Georgetown. 

Greg Donald, general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board, welcomes the idea, since there are currently no ports on the Island equipped to load container ships.

Donald said many exports in P.E.I.'s agriculture industry have to leave the Island by truck and head to nearby ports in the Maritimes, like the Port of Halifax, which is costly. He thinks it's worth looking into the idea of building a shipping port somewhere on P.E.I.

We're surrounded by water, and water can be a very efficient way of transporting goods— Greg Donald

"We're surrounded by water, and water can be a very efficient way of transporting goods," Donald told CBC News.

"Whether it's exporting potatoes in containers or break bulk, bringing in products, or shipping other agricultural goods directly from P.E.I., avoiding expensive transportation costs would certainly be desirable."

Donald said the province produces about 2.5 billion pounds of potatoes annually, which is enough to feed 25 million people, so improving export logistics is crucial.

He agreed a local shipping port could help diversify markets and reduce trade uncertainties caused by the current U.S. administration's on-and-off tariff threats.

Port not viable: expert

Claude Comtois, a University of Montreal professor emeritus in geography who's also the academic advisor to the Port of Montreal, believes building a shipping port on P.E.I. is highly impractical, though. He estimated such a project would cost about half a billion dollars, and would take seven to eight years to construct.

He doesn't think the province has the financial capacity to go it alone on funding the project, and said the likelihood of securing federal support is low given Ottawa is already considering other such major projects in the Maritimes. One of those is the proposed $700-million Melford terminal in Nova Scotia's Strait of Canso.

Comtois also questioned how a port on P.E.I. would compete with the Port of Halifax, one of the largest container ports in the country.

"Halifax is only working at 50 per cent of its capacity. How can you justify a container port in Prince Edward Island? This will be very costly and I don't think there's any shipping line who is willing to provide a regular service to Prince Edward Island," the professor said.

"You don't have the cargo. The one thing that the shipping line will ask is how much cargo will be generated locally in order to justify a weekly service, so you don't have those answers."

Logistical and environmental challenges

Comtois also said operating such a project would require a substantial workforce, and he has concerns about whether the province has enough skilled labour to support it.

You must be aware how much Prince Edward Island is a jewel in terms of environment. Are you willing to affect this ecosystem in order to justify a port?— Geography professor Claude Comtois

There would also be logistical challenges, such as providing essential services like fuel supply and repairs.

Finding a suitable location with enough land to accommodate the port would be another significant challenge, Comtois said.

In terms of environmental impact, the professor said building a shipping terminal would require extensive infrastructure, including large amounts of cement.

Other concerns would include how the province could manage coastal erosion near the port, how that will impact the fishing industry, and the impact on the ecosystem.

"You must be aware how much Prince Edward Island is a jewel in terms of environment. Are you willing to affect this ecosystem in order to justify a port?" Comtois said.