OSHAWA, ONT. — Oshawa’s newly expanded grain terminal is now fully operational and ready to begin shipping goods, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization efforts at the Port of Oshawa.
This development is a key component of a larger $35 million expansion and modernization initiative designed to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the terminal. As part of the upgrades, the terminal now boasts an impressive storage capacity of 20,000 metric tons (MT) and is equipped with a vessel loading system capable of handling up to 12,000 MT per day. These improvements are expected to boost the terminal’s overall performance and provide much-needed capacity to support the growing demand for grain export.
The construction of the expanded terminal was carried out by FWS, with a joint partnership between Quebec Stevedoring Limited (QSL) and the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA). This collaboration was pivotal in transforming the facility into a modern, high-efficiency grain handling operation. In September, as the terminal’s operations began to ramp up, grain handler Parrish & Heimbecker oversaw the first test shipments of soybeans, which ran through the end of October. These initial shipments were part of the testing phase to ensure that the upgraded systems functioned smoothly before full-scale operations began.
The new terminal facility addresses several operational challenges that had previously hindered efficiency, such as long delivery lineups, underutilized silos, and weather-related disruptions that would often delay operations. With the improvements in place, access to the site has been streamlined, significantly reducing the time and costs for local farmers looking to deliver their grain. Additionally, the full-scale dredging of Oshawa Harbour will ensure that large vessels can safely navigate the harbor, allowing for loading to full capacity. This will further enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, enabling better service for grain shippers in the region.
A notable addition to the terminal is a new dual truck unloading system, which can receive up to 700 MT per hour. This feature is expected to greatly reduce delays during grain deliveries, making the process more efficient and ensuring that grain can be unloaded and processed quickly. Furthermore, the facility has been designed to meet environmental standards, with a dust control system in place to minimize emissions and protect the surrounding environment. The terminal also features weather protection infrastructure, ensuring that operations can continue smoothly even in adverse weather conditions.
The newly upgraded Oshawa grain terminal plays a crucial role as a local delivery point for farmers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) East, offering a convenient and efficient option for transporting grain. By reducing the travel distance for farmers, the terminal helps to lower transportation costs and alleviate some of the logistical burdens faced by those in the region. The improvements at the port are expected to have a broader positive impact on Ontario’s transportation network, as it is anticipated that the enhanced terminal will eliminate approximately 12,000 long-distance heavy truck trips from provincial highways. This reduction in truck traffic will not only improve road safety but also contribute to lowering carbon emissions associated with long-haul transportation.
The expansion of the Oshawa grain terminal is a significant step toward modernizing the infrastructure that supports agriculture and trade in the region. With increased storage capacity, faster unloading systems, and improved environmental management, the terminal is now better equipped to meet the demands of local farmers and the wider grain industry. The ongoing improvements at the Port of Oshawa underscore the region’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure to support both local and international trade, and the benefits will be felt across the agricultural supply chain for years to come.