Atlantic Gateway

The most time and fuel-efficient route from the Asia-Pacific marketplace

The world economy and modes of transportation are evolving in ways that place Nova Scotia in a vital position. The Asian and Indian economies are booming and, increasingly, goods from these economic powerhouses are coming to North America in ships that are so large few ports can handle them. Nova Scotia is an exception. Our harbours can handle these ships and - for India and most of Southeast Asia - Nova Scotia is the closest landfall on the North American mainland.

Nova Scotia's major ports provide proximity to markets, deep, ice-free waters and excellent marine, air and rail connections (with some of the most affordable rail freight rates on the continent). This positions Nova Scotia as the best and obvious route as a gateway to North America and a pivotal link in the global transportation system. Source: Atlantic Gateway website, http://theatlanticgateway.ca

The Melford Terminal is a privately-funded deep-water container terminal and logistics park on the Strait of Canso, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. When fully operational in 2013, Melford International Terminal Inc. (MITI) will become the closest super port to Pictou County and will provide shippers the most time and fuel-efficient route for the Asia-Pacific marketplace to reach North America via the Suez Canal.

While Nova Scotia is a one-day sail closer to Europe than any other North American port, the Melford terminal will save shippers several more hours.

Creating Port Capacity

With many North American ports at capacity and unable to meet the rising cargo handling demands due to the growth of imports to the region, this initiative is strategically important and timely. European shippers will also find that the Melford location has the ability to quickly handle cargo, allowing for the best use of resources when sending goods into North America.

Scheduled to open

It is anticipated that the Melford terminal will begin to operate by late 2010 and, when fully operational in 2013, will handle up to 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year.

Intermodal Infrastructure

Nova Scotia has a seamless intermodal connection – from ships to the CN line, into the heart of North America, with some of the most affordable rail freight rates on the continent.

Atlantic Gateway Facts

Strengthening the province's position in the competitive world of international commerce is a priority for the Government of Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia is the closest mainland port to Europe and Asia, via the Suez Canal, and is one-day sail closer to major northern European markets than any other North American port.
Halifax can handle almost 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year while Melford will be able to handle up to 1.5 million TEUs per year.