Strengthening Marine Trade on Vancouver Island:

Duke Point Terminal Expansion

A strategic gateway in Nanaimo 

Pomerleau is proud to lead the expansion of the Duke Point Terminal, a major infrastructure project located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island’s central coast. Delivered in partnership with DP World Nanaimo and the Port of Nanaimo, this initiative will significantly increase the region’s shipping capacity and support long-term economic growth across the West Coast of Canada. 

This is Pomerleau’s first collaboration with DP World and the Port of Nanaimo, and the project is being delivered through a design-build model. More than 50% of the funding comes from public sources, including the Federal Government’s National Trade Corridors Fund and British Columbia’s Regional Port Enhancement Program. 

Expanding capacity with sustainability in mind 

The project will extend the existing wharf from 180 metres to 320 metres, enabling the terminal to handle more cargo and connect importers and exporters directly to global markets. As part of the upgrade, two fully electric quay cranes—repurposed from DP World’s Vancouver terminal—will replace the current diesel-powered crane, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. 

Additional scope includes: 

• Repairs and upgrades to existing wharf infrastructure 

• Installation of a radiation portal for international shipments 

• Reuse of excavated materials for backfilling 

• Recycling of steel and salvaged marine components 

   

Navigating marine construction challenges with innovation 

Marine construction in British Columbia’s coastal waters presents unique challenges, including weather dependency, complex logistics, and strict environmental regulations. The Duke Point site requires extensive environmental monitoring, with a focus on protecting local marine ecosystems and minimizing ecological impact. Habitat compensation efforts will continue through 2032, ensuring long-term sustainability. 

To meet these challenges, Pomerleau is leveraging advanced digital tools that enhance planning, coordination, and execution across all phases of the project. Through 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 4D construction simulations, our teams can anticipate and proactively resolve potential clashes in construction activities, validate construction sequences, and optimize workflows. This digital approach ensures a shared understanding of the planning involved, from design to construction to terminal operation, while improving accuracy and reducing risk. 

A collaborative approach to the success of the project 

Throughout the project, Pomerleau is committed to transparency and collaboration. Our teams work closely with DP World Nanaimo maintain scheduling, regulatory, and partnership alignment during each phase of the project. At peak operations, the site will employ 100 to 120 workers, including specialized marine and infrastructure teams. 

Building lasting impact on Vancouver Island 

Project Manager Grégoire Voluer is motivated by the opportunity to deliver meaningful infrastructure that supports communities and businesses across Vancouver Island. 

The Duke Point Terminal expansion is more than a construction project—it’s a strategic investment in the future of marine trade on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia. By combining sustainable practices, advanced digital tools, and deep marine construction expertise, Pomerleau is helping to shape a more connected, resilient, and environmentally responsible port infrastructure. We are proud to contribute to this transformative initiative alongside DP World Nanaimo and the Port of Nanaimo, and to play a key role in strengthening Canada’s West Coast supply chain for generations to come.