The Port of Montreal (MPA) is adopting a hybrid approach for the significant expansion project on Montreal's South Shore. Under this strategy, the MPA will manage specific project responsibilities and embrace a more flexible approach, outlined as follows:

• Marine Works: The MPA will oversee the entire marine works phase, encompassing dock construction and dredging. Acting as the prime contractor, the authority will lead this phase, with support from a specialized firm in project planning for the next nine to 12 months. Subsequently, the MPA will allocate project works based on its procurement processes and provide an updated schedule for this segment.
• Land Site Works and Operations: A private partner will handle the land site works and operations. In early 2024, the MPA will issue a Request for Proposals to select a private partner for constructing the terminal, including the container yard, buildings, facilities, and rail connection. The chosen private partner will also operate and maintain the terminal under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model. It's important to note that water-based project works are not included in this component.

The earlier procurement process, initiated in November 2021, which encompassed both the construction and operation of the terminal, has been abandoned in favor of this revised strategy. This new approach enables the MPA to better handle risks, project tasks, and expenses within the existing context, guaranteeing the success of the expansion initiative. The Contrecoeur expansion project is situated in an industrial zone acquired by the Montreal Port Authority more than three decades ago.