Expanded Oshawa Grain Terminal begins test loads

(Posted on 19/10/24)

The improved Port of Oshawa Grain Export Terminal in Ontario has reached an important milestone, welcoming its first test shipments this fall. The terminal and associated port infrastructure is currently undergoing a $35+ million expansion and modernization, spearheaded by HOPA Ports and backed by the $14 million contribution from the Government of Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund.

The newly expanded terminal now offers a total of 20,000 MT of storage capacity and features a vessel loading rate of up to 12,000 MT per day, ensuring fast and efficient grain loading. A new dual truck unloading structure, capable of receiving 700 MT per hour, will streamline deliveries and minimize delays. The facility has weather protection, as well as a modern dust control system to meet high environmental standards.

“Making this facility work for regional farmers is our priority; we’ve invested in quality infrastructure, improving the terminal’s efficiency from the front gate right onto the vessel. We’re thrilled that the Port of Oshawa is contributing to the resiliency and reliability of Canadian agricultural supply chains.” – Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports

“QSL is proud to be part of this effort to enhance the potential of the Port of Oshawa. We are looking forward to seeing more grain exported through this facility every year.” – Gino Becerra, Vice President, Ontario, QSL.

“Expanding the Oshawa Grain Export Terminal is a big step for Canada’s trade infrastructure. We’re helping local farmers, boosting regional economies, and keeping our supply chains strong and efficient. ” – The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport.

The improved facility is addressing past issues that impacted its performance, such as delivery lineups, underutilized silos, and weather-related operational delays. Accessing and using the site is now easier, saving time and money for farmers. Full-scale dredging of the Oshawa Harbour will ensure that vessels can navigate safely and be loaded to capacity. The terminal was constructed by industry-leader FWS, well-known for its reliability and familiarity with the Ontario market.

The terminal is expected to provide a much-needed export option for local farmers, while freeing up new capacity at other facilities in the region, to handle Ontario’s growing grain output.

The new terminal offers a vital local delivery point for farmers in the GTA-East region, significantly reducing the distance many of the region’s farmers are travelling to deliver their grain. This reduction in kilometres will help lower greenhouse gas emissions, providing both economic and environmental benefits. The improvements at the Port Oshawa are expected to remove an estimated 12,000 long-distance heavy truck trips from Ontario highways.

The terminal is a joint venture between QSL and HOPA Ports. As operations ramp up, grain handler Parrish & Heimbecker will be managing the first test shipments of soybeans, which commenced in September and will run to the end of October. These soybeans will be used to settle the new bin and fill the existing silo, with plans to load an ocean-going vessel this fall.

Over the coming decades, Ontario’s grain production for export is expected to increase by two million metric tonnes, with at least 300,000 MT of that grown within the Port of Oshawa’s catchment area.