March 11, 2021, Halifax Nova Scotia – The transportation industry in Halifax is taking a big step today toward becoming more collaborative and sustainable. ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport is proud to announce the founding partners who will work together, tactically and strategically, to develop solutions to the supply chain challenges the port and its customers encounter and to develop commercial opportunities globally and locally. PIER is short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research.

The founding partners for ‘The PIER’ include CN, a leading North American transportation and logistics company; PSA Halifax, a member of PSA International (PSA), a global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders with over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world; OMC International, an Australian maritime engineering company that has developed award-winning e-Navigation technology to improve transit for large commercial ships; and the Port of Halifax, a full-service deepwater international gateway and regional economic engine.

“The relationship between CN and the Port of Halifax goes back generations, to the very early days of both our organizations,” said JJ Ruest, President and CEO, CN. “We are proud to be involved in this latest development which is another positive step on this long journey together.”

“’The PIER’ project is an excellent fit for our organization and our vision for the future,” said Enno Koll, Head of Americas for PSA. “We are committed to continuously upgrading our services and innovating every aspect of our business. ‘The PIER’ creates a collaborative space that will allow us to work with like-minded companies.”

“OMC and DUKC® were born out of the complex challenges being faced by ports three decades ago. The innovations that have followed since have been undertaken alongside our clients, those forward-thinking ports that are searching for opportunities to do things better,” said Peter O'Brien, CEO, OMC International. “At OMC, we're excited to be partnering with the Port of Halifax and members of ‘The PIER’ to deliver solutions to meet both existing and emerging challenges being faced by the port and maritime industry. ‘The PIER’ is a logical next step for us as we continue to grow our presence in Canada and North America. Being able to do so alongside other global companies in a collaborative way is a win-win scenario.”

“Bringing partners together in a living lab environment will create the conditions that allow us to solve the intricate problems facing the transportation sector,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “No one party can tackle these challenges on their own, but together, we can develop sustainable solutions with benefits that reach well beyond the shipping industry.”

With founding partners in place, ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport will operate virtually as the physical space is developed. Please visit www.thepierhfx.com for additional information or to sign up for automatic updates.

About CN:

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

About PSA:

PSA International (PSA) is a leading port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. With flagship operations in Singapore and Antwerp, PSA’s global network encompasses over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world. The Group’s portfolio comprises 60 deepsea, rail and inland terminals, as well as affiliated businesses in distriparks, warehouses and marine services. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience from a diverse global team, PSA actively collaborates with its customers and partners to deliver world-class port services alongside, develop innovative cargo solutions and co-create an Internet of Logistics. As the partner of choice in the global supply chain, PSA is “The World's Port of Call”.  Visit us at www.globalpsa.com.

About OMC International:

OMC International is an Australian maritime engineering company delivering multi award-winning digital port solutions and e-Navigation technologies. With a track record exceeding 170,000 transits globally and 28 years of experience, OMC International is the industry-leaders in providing under keel clearance solutions.

OMC also specialises in ship motion analysis, optimised dredging for cost effective channel design, and mooring system analysis and design, including real-time moored vessel warning systems. https://omcinternational.com/

About the Port of Halifax:

The Port of Halifax is Canada’s Ultra Atlantic Gateway, connecting to more than 150 countries. The direct economic output of Port of Halifax operations and Nova Scotia exporters is $2.45 billion, generating 13,600 jobs. Offering a natural, deep harbour and big ship infrastructure, Halifax can accommodate large volumes of containerized cargo, breakbulk cargo and project cargo of any size. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Lane Farguson
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]