Marine Container Examination Facility celebrates new opening in Halifax
The new Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) celebrated its official opening in Halifax on Wednesday.
The construction of the facility, which began in summer 2022, finished in April 2025. Operations started on April 7.
Benefits of the new facility include:
improves the efficiency, safety, security and operations for Canada Border Services (CBSA) employees
reduces port congestion through operational efficiencies
allows continued growth for the Halifax Port Authority
increases supply chain effectiveness
enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets
reduces container truck traffic and emissions as the new MCEF is located directly on Port of Halifax property
Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility
Jennifer Lutfallah at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility official opening July 16, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Jonathan MacInnis)
The 2,700 square-metre facility, located on the Bedford Basin, is operated by the Halifax Port Authority and is used by the CBSA.
The CBSA has 10 examination bays for officers to examine high-risk shipping containers.
'Large quantities of drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by border services officers,' a release from the CBSA said.
Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility
The Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility celebrated its official opening July 16, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Jonathan MacInnis)
'From March 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, 1957kg of cannabis leaving Canada, and $208M worth of narcotics,' a release from Darren Fisher, member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, said.
The Halifax Port Authority along with the Government of Canada spent around $25 million on the facility. Transport Canada funded $7 million towards the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The CBSA invested $879,000 for CCTV hardware and installation.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
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