Port of Halifax Holds Steady in 2002
February 5, 2003
Container Rebounds in the Fourth Quarter
Halifax, NS - The Port of Halifax released its cargo results for 2002 today. Total port cargo finished the year at 12.84 million tonnes with increases in breakbulk, ro/ro, bulk oil rig supplies, gypsum and coal.
"We've held steady this year," explained Patricia McDermott, VP Marketing, HPA. "Business picked up through the last quarter of 2002 and we expect this trend to continue into this year."
Bulk cargo accounted for 8.21 million tonnes for the year. Container cargo totalled 4.3 million tonnes equating to 524,336 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Breakbulk traffic increased to 160,390 tonnes this year which included a significant increase in iron/steel products as well as increases in machinery, rubber and oil rig supplies. Ro/Ro traffic also increased to 204,717 tonnes.
Significant business developments in 2002 included:
Upgraded service for Costa to 1700 TEU vessels with increased frequency to 10 days. New larger ships (4800 TEUs) for Hapag Lloyd and Zim over the last two years. Additional slot charters: China Shipping Group, New World Alliance (APL, MOL, HMM), and Safmarine.
The Port's cruise business saw a successful year in 2002. The Port of Halifax welcomed 87 cruise vessels in 2002 and 157,063 passengers. The Port of Halifax also welcomed its one millionth passenger this past year and received two awards for its cruise welcome program. Bookings for 2003 are encouraging with 104 calls and 180,000 passengers expected.
For further info, contact:
Michele PeverilManager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Halifax Port Authority
Telephone: (902) 426-1060
Cell: (902) 229-3236
