Port Saint John is Eastern Canada’s largest port with a diverse cargo base, handling an average of 28 million metric tons of cargo annually and globally connected to over 350 ports. Due to growth in the cruise ship industry and the need to respond to the Port’s clients’ changing needs, a $16.5M multidisciplinary project was approved that involved a review of the Port’s infrastructure complete with analysis of the Port’s berthing capacity for today’s cruise ships and the cruise ships of the future.
Phase 1 was a review of the Port’s berth at Pugsley “C” (known as the secondary berth), as well as at Long Wharf, the tertiary berth used during days when three cruise ships are calling. The study led to recommendations to upgrade berthing capacities by way of an additional 6-175 tonne bollards and the design and construction of a fendering system at Pugsley “C” to protect the ships against the irregularity of the wharf face.
Phase 2 involved the complete redevelopment of Pugsley “C.” The existing shed was deemed structurally and functionally deficient and was demolished. A site plan was developed with the Port for a new terminal footprint that could accommodate the multiple modes of transportation required outside the terminal. Other site features include subgrade support structures for the mobile gangway, as well as extensive site regrading. A new 150 m access road to Long Wharf was designed and constructed to alleviate transportation issues the site previously experienced.
A new three-level terminal was designed with a number of significant features that make it unique including:
- 120 m elevated walkway for disembarkation that was designed to function with the Port’s mobile gangways.
- A second floor conference room complete with a fully functional kitchen and isolated access.
- A rooftop patio to allow the public access to the waterfront, a feature the Port was keen on providing to the public as very few access points existed.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was involved throughout the design process and had strict security requirements. This challenged the planning of the building to stay functional for both the Port and CBSA while staying flexible so the building would remain a multi-use facility.