Maher Terminal's crane order acknowledgement to ZPMC for the manufacturing and delivery of three (3) ultra-post-Panamax cranes will provide the Port of Prince Rupert with amongst the world's largest container cranes. These cranes, together with other essential container handling equipment, will arrive and be fully commissioned in Prince Rupert to support the target terminal opening in the third quarter of 2007.
'The Prince Rupert Port Authority's announcement of its first major construction contractor selection sets the stage for us to proceed with our crane order. This sends a strong message to the maritime and shipping community that the development of a container terminal in Prince Rupert is continuing to progress. With a planned opening during the third quarter of 2007 and estimated Phase 1 annual capacity of 500,000 teus, this new terminal will be a welcomed relief to ocean carriers and shippers experiencing congestion at existing West Coast ports and seeking further port diversification,' said M. Brian Maher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Maher Terminals, Inc.
E. Hunter Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway (CN), said, 'CN is pleased with the significant progress being made on the new intermodal terminal at Prince Rupert. Maher's announcement that it will exercise its order for three ultra-post-Panamax cranes is an important component of the project and comes a day after the Prince Rupert Port Authority's selection of the first major construction contractor for the project. CN will start its terminal and rail-infrastructure work this summer.' CN's rail network will connect the new intermodal terminal with the principal cities of Canada and mid-America.
Mr. Maher applauded the collective efforts and support of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, CN Rail, and the federal and provincial governments of Canada and British Columbia, all of whom are key stakeholders in the development of the Port of Prince Rupert as a significant container gateway.
