The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Founding Partners announced for ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport living lab

(Posted on 15/03/21)

The transportation industry in Halifax is taking a big step today toward becoming more collaborative and sustainable. ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport is proud to announce the founding partners who will work together, tactically and strategically, to develop solutions to the supply chain challenges the port and its customers encounter and to develop commercial opportunities globally and locally. PIER is short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research.

The founding partners for ‘The PIER’ include CN, a leading North American transportation and logistics company; PSA Halifax, a member of PSA International (PSA), a global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders with over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world; OMC International, an Australian maritime engineering company that has developed award-winning e-Navigation technology to improve transit for large commercial ships; and the Port of Halifax, a full-service deepwater international gateway and regional economic engine.

“The relationship between CN and the Port of Halifax goes back generations, to the very early days of both our organizations,” said JJ Ruest, President and CEO, CN. “We are proud to be involved in this latest development which is another positive step on this long journey together.”

“’The PIER’ project is an excellent fit for our organization and our vision for the future,” said Enno Koll, Head of Americas for PSA. “We are committed to continuously upgrading our services and innovating every aspect of our business. ‘The PIER’ creates a collaborative space that will allow us to work with like-minded companies.”

“OMC and DUKC were born out of the complex challenges being faced by ports three decades ago. The innovations that have followed since have been undertaken alongside our clients, those forward-thinking ports that are searching for opportunities to do things better,” said Peter O'Brien, CEO, OMC International. “At OMC, we're excited to be partnering with the Port of Halifax and members of ‘The PIER’ to deliver solutions to meet both existing and emerging challenges being faced by the port and maritime industry. ‘The PIER’ is a logical next step for us as we continue to grow our presence in Canada and North America. Being able to do so alongside other global companies in a collaborative way is a win-win scenario.”

“Bringing partners together in a living lab environment will create the conditions that allow us to solve the intricate problems facing the transportation sector,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “No one party can tackle these challenges on their own, but together, we can develop sustainable solutions with benefits that reach well beyond the shipping industry.”