CN
CN on Sept. 8 announced that it has expanded its firefighting capabilities with new assets and upgrades to its specialized fire suppression fleet. Building on its 2024 wildfire response, CN says it has “strengthened its ability to protect its network infrastructure and support local firefighters during another severe wildfire season.”
In 2025, CN introduced two independent firefighting railcars, Oceanus and Amphitrite. Each carry 25,000 gallons of water and is equipped with cannons, pumps, and hose support. The units can be deployed rapidly and operate either independently or with larger trains.
CN also launched a pilot program testing fire trailers for smaller fires along the right of way. Each trailer holds 350 gallons of water and features a fixed water cannon for off-track wildfire response.
To further bolster efforts in British Columbia, CN stationed eight additional 30,000-gallon tank cars in strategic locations. These cars, the Class I says, helped ensure the availability of additional water supply in water-scarce regions.
CN also enhanced its existing Neptune, Trident, and Poseidon trains, first deployed during the 2024 Jasper wildfires. These assets are being upgraded to increase their water capacity by more than double, “improving CN’s ability to assist emergency efforts near rail infrastructure and in hard-to-reach fire zones,” the Class I noted.
“At CN, our priority is to safeguard the critical rail infrastructure and supply chains that communities and businesses rely on every day. These new assets strengthen our ability to defend our network, protecting supply chain corridors from the threat of wildfires while also supporting emergency responders. Together, we are ensuring resilience where it matters most,” said CN Vice-President, Safety and Environment Mark Grubbs.
Port of Montreal
As part of the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur, MPA and DP World in Canada (a joint venture between DP World and La Caisse) have entered into a joint development agreement for the design of the land-based works of the future container terminal. The official signing of the agreement, which took place on Sept. 4, enables DP World to join the ranks of active terminal operators at the Port of Montreal.
Selected for its “international expertise in operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable development,” DP World will make the future Contrecœur terminal its sixth port facility in Canada, joining Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Saint John, and Vancouver. Globally, DP World operates in more than 60 ports and terminals across 64 countries.
Under the joint development agreement, the MPA and DP World’s Canadian operations will, in the coming months, finalize the terminal’s design as well as the terms of the construction and operating contract, which will take effect with the start of land works. As announced in October 2023, the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project is based on a hybrid approach:
- “In-water works are overseen by the MPA and have been planned in collaboration with CTCGP (Pomerleau and Aecon) using a collaborative design-build approach.
- “Land works and operations will be under the responsibility of DP World, which will lead the construction of the terminal (container yard, buildings, utilities, and rail connection) and ensure its operation and maintenance for the next 40 years.”
Next steps in the Port of Montreal’s Contrecœur expansion project include:
- Start of site preparation work (subject to obtaining the required approval). (2025)
- Launch of the design phase for land works in collaboration with DP World, including the selection of a designer as part of this process. (2025)
- Start of in-water works. (2026)
- Finalization of the terminal design. (2026)
- Finalization of the construction and operating agreement with DP World. (2026)
- Start of land-based works. (2027)
- Completion of works and commissioning of the new container terminal. (2030)
In parallel, the MPA says it continues to develop and implement compensation plans, monitoring programs, and mitigation measures required to comply with the conditions of the favorable decision received for the project in March 2021. The compensation plans and monitoring programs, developed in collaboration with experts from government agencies and in consultation with the relevant Indigenous communities, are submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) in their final form and subsequently made public, in accordance with established procedures.
“The agreement with DP World here in Canada marks a decisive step in realizing the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur,” said MPA President and CEO Julie Gascon. “By leveraging innovation, sustainability, and the expertise of a world-class partner, we are strengthening the Port of Montreal’s strategic role as an economic engine for Quebec and Canada. This project is designed not only to meet the growing need for business diversification but also to create long-term value by supporting Canadian economic sovereignty as global trade evolves. We are a maritime nation, and the future of international commerce will pass through our ports.”
“We’re honored to deliver this transformational project, which will elevate the Port of Montreal’s role in global trade and diversify Canadian trade,” said DP World in Canada CEO Doug Smith. “More importantly, the Contrecœur terminal will serve as a true economic engine for Quebec and Eastern Canada—creating thousands of jobs during construction and driving long-term prosperity through expanded trade capacity. This project will not only strengthen the region’s position in global commerce but also deliver lasting benefits for local communities and businesses.”
“Supply chain salute to our partners Port of Montreal and DP World in Canada on signing their joint development agreement,” commented CN in a social media (X) post. “More port capacity means more opportunity for businesses, communities and the North American economy.”
NS
NS is still accepting applications for its Trades on Track scholarship, an initiative that the Class I says, “invests in the next generation of skilled professionals by providing financial assistance to vocational students within the railroad’s 22-state network.” The deadline is Sept. 30, 2025.
Why it matters:
- “Workforce demand: Skilled trades—from welding and electrical work to mechanical logistics and more—are vital to nearly every sector of the economy.
- “Opportunity for all: Scholarships are open to new and current students, as well as those seeking to reskill or make a career change.
- “Broad eligibility: Candidates across all of NS’ 22-state network can apply.
- “Community impact: These well-paying jobs help grow local economies and create long-term career pathways.”
Students enrolled in a post-secondary program related to the railway industry, including trade schools, technical or vocational schools, community colleges, certification programs, and dual enrollment pathways are eligible for the $5,000 scholarship. Eligible states include Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The program is managed by the Atlanta-based SkillPointe Foundation, which partners with companies nationwide to expand skilled talent pipelines. By teaming up with NS, the foundation is helping ensure that critical rail trade skills remain present and resilient for decades to come, the Class I noted.
“With our Trades on Track Scholarship, we’re investing in the workforce of the future by empowering individuals to pursue meaningful, hands-on careers. Vocational skills are essential to building strong communities and driving economic growth,” said NS Foundation & Community Impact Director Kristin Wong.
