Sarens Upgrades Canadian Port for Offshore Wind

Sarens has been appointed to upgrade the Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal (ACBT) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, transforming it into a strategic hub for offshore wind operations.

The port, featuring a 350-metre quay and more than 44 hectares of marshalling space, is already considered one of the top 10 offshore wind ports in North America. The upgrade supports future projects such as Nova Scotia Wind West and strengthens the region’s role in the North Atlantic offshore sector.

Sarens worked with the port owner to adapt the terminal for handling large offshore wind components, including turbine blades and foundation piles exceeding 1,900 tonnes and 100 metres in length. Engineering works included detailed ground analysis and the deployment of a high-capacity crawler crane equipped with a superlift system to optimise load distribution on the existing quay.

The company also introduced both lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capabilities. Using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), Sarens enabled the efficient handling and movement of oversized components without requiring major infrastructure redevelopment.

“This strategic project has been quite a challenge for us,” said Robert Eykhout, Project Sales Manager at Sarens. “By applying sophisticated engineering and load-spreading techniques, we proved that this terminal could be transformed into a world-class offshore hub without the need for extensive infrastructure investment.”

The project demonstrates how existing port infrastructure can be adapted for offshore wind, accelerating development timelines while supporting regional economic growth and supply chain activity.