The Port of Oshawa Grain Export Terminal in Ontario, Canada has received its first test shipments of soyabeans.
The joint venture between QSL and Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) was currently undergoing a C$35M (US$25.4M) expansion and modernisation project, HOPA Ports said on 16 October.
As part of the project – led by HOPA Ports and backed by a C$14M (US$10.07M) contribution from the government of Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund – the terminal’s storage capacity had been increased to 20,000 tonnes and featured a vessel loading rate of up to 12,000 tonnes/day.
In addition, a new 700 tonnes/hour dual truck unloading structure would streamline deliveries and minimise delays, HOPA Ports said.
Upgrades at the terminal also included weather protection and a modern dust control system.
“Making this facility work for regional farmers is our priority; we’ve invested in … infrastructure, improving the terminal’s efficiency from the front gate right onto the vessel,” HOPA Ports president and CEO Ian Hamilton said.
Managed by grain handler Parrish & Heimbecker, the first test shipments at the terminal started in September and continued until the end of October.
HOPA Ports said the soyabeans would be used to settle the new bin and fill the existing silo, with plans to load an ocean-going vessel later this year.
