Americold Realty Trust has announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art cold storage import-export hub at Port Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada. This marks the company’s first facility in the region, leveraging partnerships with DP World and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to enhance global cold chain logistics.
The facility will focus on optimizing the movement of temperature-controlled goods between Canada and key international markets, including Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Americold plans to invest $75–$80 million in the project, creating a 22,000-pallet capacity facility that integrates its cold storage solutions with DP World's maritime capabilities and CPKC’s rail logistics expertise.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation
“Developing this facility in Port Saint John is a significant step forward as we expand into a strategically important geography,” said George Chappelle, Americold’s CEO. “The infrastructure investments by DP World and CPKC have positioned the port as a hub for international trade, and our collaboration will enhance food flows across major markets.”Keith Creel, President and CEO of CPKC, emphasized the value of collaboration. “This facility builds on our growing partnership with Americold and DP World to deliver unique supply chain solutions. It will extend our reach and enable efficient shipping of food and other temperature-sensitive goods across North America.”
Doug Smith, CEO of DP World Canada, highlighted the importance of sustainability in the project. “This innovative hub reflects our commitment to transforming supply chain efficiency while meeting the demands of global trade.”
Economic and Regional Impact
Americold’s facility is expected to create up to 100 jobs by 2029, supported by a $1.01 million payroll rebate investment from Opportunities NB. The development is projected to contribute up to $37 million to New Brunswick’s GDP.
Craig Bell Estabrooks, President and CEO of Port Saint John, noted the broader benefits. “This investment enhances the port’s capacity to handle growing shipping volumes and reinforces its status as Atlantic Canada’s largest port by volume.”
Expanding Cold Chain Capabilities
The Port Saint John facility continues Americold’s mission to optimize the food supply chain. Its partnerships with DP World and CPKC are designed to streamline logistics and provide reliable, sustainable cold chain solutions.
Americold’s collaboration with DP World began in 2021 and was formalized in 2022. Its partnership with CPKC, initiated in June 2023, focuses on integrating temperature-controlled logistics across North America using CPKC’s TempPro containers for secure intermodal freight transportation.
The new hub aligns with Americold’s strategy to support global trade routes while creating economic value in the communities it serves.