HALIFAX, N.S. – The Halifax Port Authority has more than doubled its capital spending this year in an effort to strengthen the port’s infrastructure and prepare for larger ships on Atlantic trade routes, The Chronicle Herald reports.

Some of the projects included in the $24 million expenditure are driven by the requirements of the port’s two terminal operators, Cerescorp and Halterm, which are linked to the growing trend of larger vessels.

Grand Alliance member Orient Overseas Container Line calls Cerescorp using post-Panamax ships.

The stevedoring firm has ordered two super post-Panamax gantry cranes for delivery this summer.

The Port Authority must now strengthen the support for the cranes.

The HPA has already improved crane rail tracks and will complete all the required electrical upgrades to support the new equipment, as well as 175 additional plugs for refrigerated containers.

Among the other projects is a plan for a new $2 million plaza that will accommodate 34 trucks. Nippon Yusen Kaisha of Tokyo, which owns Cerescorp, is designing and will build the gateway structure, The Herald reports. Officials expect the project will be completed in 2007.