Powering the Future | How the ACBT is Driving Growth in Clean Energy

The Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal (ACBT), located in Sydney, NS, is a strong example of our region’s growing potential in renewable energy and global trade. Located on one-third of the grounds of the former Sydney Steel Plant, this 110-acre deep-water facility has been transformed into a strategic hub at the crossroads of major North Atlantic and Canada–South America trade routes for bulk materials and the emerging offshore wind (OSW) industry. 

In 2023, the ACBT began exploring opportunities in the emerging offshore wind industry and quickly secured its first major contract. In the winter of 2024, the terminal marshalled massive monopiles for a US OSW project, demonstrating its heavy-lift capacity, world-class infrastructure, ample laydown space, and skilled workforce.

Today, the terminal continues to handle a range of offshore wind components, positioning both ACBT and CBRM as trusted partners in a growing global industry that drives opportunity and economic impact for local businesses. Currently, the Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal employs between 25 and 100 employees at any given time, including subcontractors with local construction companies. 

The opportunities unfolding at the ACBT were shared in Assessment of Atlantic Canadian Ports to Support Offshore Wind Development, a report released this week by Net Zero Atlantic. This landmark study analyzed 77 port sites across Atlantic Canada to identify those best positioned to serve the offshore wind industry. Through careful evaluation, the list was narrowed to just 10 ports, including the Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal.

The study concluded that by 2036, at least one and possibly three Canadian primary ports will be required to service the NS offshore wind industry. Importantly, ACBT was recognized as one of only three brownfield sites in Atlantic Canada already servicing the U.S. offshore wind industry. With its 40 hectares of upland area, a 350m wharf (extendable to 500m with mooring dolphins), and capacity for expansion, ACBT is well-positioned to evolve into a multi-functional offshore wind facility.

The Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal is quickly becoming recognized by the Offshore Wind Industry and is well-positioned to support Nova Scotia’s burgeoning offshore wind industry. Looking ahead, the revitalization of the rail system in the CBRM could play a pivotal role in supporting the ACBT, while also strengthening transportation infrastructure for businesses and communities across the CBRM. Richard Morykot, Vice-President of Strategic Development and Execution at ACBT, says, “The ACBT is well-positioned to be a hub for Nova Scotia’s offshore wind industry, and as we have seen, there are many economic spin-offs to such an operation. We would also like to see an operational railway. It would be a great asset to the ACBT.”

The Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal is a gateway to opportunity. By stepping into the offshore wind supply chain, ACBT has demonstrated the ability to meet the needs of an emerging global market. The potential outlined in the Net Zero Atlantic report underscores the importance of strategic investment, collaboration, and long-term vision. For our business community, this means new opportunities for diversification, supply chain integration, and global reach. As offshore wind continues to grow, so too does the potential for local businesses to thrive alongside it.

“Sydney Harbour has demonstrated its importance to global trade with our rich history of steel and coal production. I believe that the opportunities associated with the offshore wind industry can be equally transformational to our community.”, says Lorna Campbell, CEO of the Port of Sydney Development Corporation. “The ACBT has proven their ability to service the emerging offshore wind industry, and I congratulate them for their successes to date.”

At the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased to see the Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal contributing to this transformation and helping position our region for a strong future in clean energy.

Read the full Net Zero Atlantic report here.