Minister Sells Halifax Port Advantages to New York Audience

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Minister Sells Halifax Port Advantages to New York Audience

Nova Scotia Transportation and Public Works Minister Gordon Balser is in New York today drumming up port business from international shipping lines.

"The Port of Halifax is the envy of other East Coast container ports. Halifax's deepwater allows the world's largest container ships to call fully laden, a feat these vessels cannot accomplish in competing ports," Mr. Balser told an audience of senior shipping executives. "Our port can help make your business more profitable."

The Halifax Port Authority and the Halifax-Dartmouth Port Development Commission sponsored the Dec. 2 luncheon at the New York Yacht Club. It is an annual event designed to thank the port's customers and spread the good news to potential clients.

"Nova Scotia's primary port is one of this province's most valued assets," said Mr. Balser. "We have to make sure the big players in the shipping world are aware of all that Halifax and our other major ports have to offer."

The Port of Halifax is responsible for an estimated annual economic impact of $305 million in expenditures and $520 million in incomes earned. More than 7,750 jobs are tied to port activities as well.

Mr. Balser said he's confident those numbers will grow, particularly with Halterm's investment in two post-Panamax cranes.

"We'll be ready to reach over to load and unload your biggest ships next spring," he said. "That's barely six months away."

More than 20 international shipping lines call at Halifax. In addition to the port's economic and employment spinoffs, these shipping lines provide vital access to the global marketplace for Atlantic region exporters and importers. As well, Halifax traffic is the lifeblood of the main rail line to Central Canada, the American Midwest and markets beyond.

In 1998, the Port of Halifax handled more than 13 million tonnes of cargo, with container traffic accounting for about 3.5 million tonnes of this total. Port traffic is up four per cent in 1999 while container tonnage is up eight per cent over last year. Halifax is the third busiest container port in Canada.

"The Port of Halifax is one of Nova Scotia's most powerful economic engines," said Mr. Balser, who is also the province's Minister of Economic Development. "It's important that these port customers hear from government that their business is important for Nova Scotians."

NOTE TO EDITORS: The text of Mr. Balser's remarks are available; go to www.gov.ns.ca/tran or e-mail Release@gov.ns.ca or call 902- 492-4492.