It’s full steam ahead under a slogan of “Wide Open” for the Port of Corner Brook. The Corporation hosted their Annual General meeting last week and launched their 4-year Strategic Plan. Kelly Smith has been the CEO at the port for just over a year now.
In 2025 over 376K metric tonnes of cargo was handled at the port. That number is down from the previous year and Smith says it was unexpected. During the year, the port exported 5,921 containers to over 40 countries but Smith says part of that decline can be attributed to Corner Brook Pulp and Paper who had a slowdown that year and wildfires in the province.
The Port of Corner Brook had its longest cruise season to date last year welcoming ships from March 10 through October 22, 2025. This included 24 ship calls carrying well over 46K passengers and crew. Kelly says the port had its first winter cruise visit highlighting their year round potential when Ponant Cruises visited and they plan to come back in 2027. This marked the Port’s first winter cruise call and Smith says the visit highlighted Corner Brook’s year-round potential.
Revenue at the Port was more than $3.6M, down 7 percent from the year before but expenses rose by 3 percent. Smith says as the region navigates economic transition and shifting global markets, they need to strengthen the port for future growth. She says they looked at mining, forestry, the fishery, and wind energy to identify where the port could support. Smith says they’re working on a plan now to fix infrastructure, an expansion and possibly adding a second berth.
Smith is currently attending the Ports Canada conference in Windsor, Ontario.
