Amid the global impacts of COVID-19, the Port of Argentia is maintaining regular vessel traffic, handling a wide range of cargo supporting various projects within the province. Says Acting CEO Ray Greene: “We’re pleased that despite these challenging times, our Port remains an active calling point for many vessels, including dedicated domestic and international shipping lines, bringing valuable products to clients in the industrial, mining, commercial and retail sectors. No doubt the global pandemic is affecting many key sectors of our economy, but the Port is still fully operational and actively engaged in marine transportation and economic development initiatives.”

Located on the eastern side of Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Port of Argentia is poised to capture opportunities as a premier, heavy industrial seaport offering ice-free, year-round access.

Equipped with a wide turning basin, heavy lift capacity, up to 11-metre draft alongside 625 metres of dock facilities—and enhanced by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and expansion plans—the Port supports both the offshore oil and gas industry and emerging green technology initiatives in the province.

Strategically located near the main shipping lanes between North America and Europe, the Port is being redeveloped with a diverse group of port users and tenants involved in marine transportation, manufacturing, construction, offshore oil, mining, and other sectors.

Port of Argentia is a private, not-for-profit corporation mandated to provide stewardship of the seaport and industrial property. It is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and a professional management team with expertise in port and property management, marketing and promotion, and business and economic development.

The Port is certified by Transport Canada under the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR), with dock facilities surrounded by a 40-hectare secure fenced compound. Onsite services include stevedoring, transportation, crane and other dock services supporting both domestic and international container shipping.

More than 40 businesses, port users and tenants provide services to Port operations and industrial projects. Port of Argentia is the host site for construction of Husky’s Concrete Gravity Structure in a purpose-built graving dock. Once completed, the wellhead platform will be installed offshore in support of the West White Rose Project.

The Port also owns and operates Northside Industrial Park, Southside Industrial Park and Argentia Sunset RV Park. These properties comprise 1,200 hectares of developed industrial land and 46,000 square metres of commercial building space.

Says Greene: “Argentia’s well-maintained infrastructure and highly skilled, local workforce provide significant cost advantages to customers, as we continue to develop new opportunities for business in the province.”