Ports America, the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the United States, and Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) have agreed to form a development group to attract customers and investors and advise on the operational configuration of Novaporte, a new Canadian container terminal in the Port of Sydney, Nova Scotia, writes Port Technology today.

According to Novaporte’s website, the project will be the first deep-water port on the East Coast of North America to be designed specifically to accommodate 18,000+ TEU vessels. The project is shovel-ready, with all permits in place. The new port will operate within an officially designated Canadian Foreign Trade Zone – Novazone.

The construction will start once there is sufficient customer volume commitments. SHIP has development rights to approximately 500 acres in the Port of Sydney and with the support of Ports America construction is expected to be completed in two years.

Ports America is set to manage and operate the terminal for 40 years, providing services such as full stevedore and terminal labor management, terminal operating systems, and maintenance and repair.

Albert Barbusci, founding partner of SHIP, said: “We are excited about partnering with Ports America, the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the United States. In all our partnerships including financial, construction, engineering, marine equipment and technology relationships, we have looked for industry leaders. Ports America fits this description exactly. We couldn’t ask for a stronger, more experienced operating partner.”