Compared to the first quarter of 2012, Port Saint John reported strong increases in tonnage in four areas during the quarter ended March 31, 2013: Potash shipments transported through the port, originated by PotashCorp, reached a record-breaking 277,249 tonnes, up 141 per cent. Shipments of forest products increased by 32 per cent, with woodpulp tonnage forming the largest percentage of this increase, rising from 13,136 tonnes to 22,517 tonnes, marking a 71-per-ent increase year-over-year. Container tonnage increased by 72 per cent, from 63,984 tonnes to 110,128 tonnes, while container TEUs increased by 52 per cent, from 10,978 TEUs to 16,645 TEUs.
Liquid bulk shipments, which during the past five years averaged 95.6 per cent of the Port’s overall annual tonnage, remained unchanged from 2012 levels.
“As we move into the second quarter of 2013, we are pleased that our partners are experiencing cargo gains in many sectors of our business. Increased activity at the Port will bring added prosperity the region” noted Jim Quinn, President and CEO, Port Saint John.