Construction on the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) began in summer 2022 and was completed in early April 2025. Operations started on April 7, 2025.
The new facility offers many benefits including:
- 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
Facility description
The 2,700 square-metre building is owned and operated by the Halifax Port Authority, and is used by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The facility has 10 examination bays used by CBSA officers to examine high-risk shipping containers near the terminal. Large quantities of drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by border services officers.
The facility includes a truck gate with electronic scanners to help keep track of containers and their cargo.
The Marine Container Examination Facility is an Envision-Verified infrastructure project, scoring 26% above industry standards under the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure rating system. The building has many sustainable features including:
- A solar photovoltaic system
- A rainwater harvesting system
- Development of a Construction Sustainability Checklist that all contractors were required to submit as part of their tender submission
- Development of a Contractor Tracking Tool for earthworks, materials, energy use, and water use, motion-activated LED fixtures
- In-floor radiant heating
- Building generator for backup power
- Security fence rear compound for holding all containers marked for examination
- EV charging stations
Funding
The Halifax Port Authority and the Government of Canada have invested approximately $25 million in the new facility. Transport Canada invested $7 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The CBSA invested $879,000 for :
- CCTV hardware and installation
- Furniture
- IT equipment
- Signage
- Detection equipment
- Audio Visual equipment
- Building WIFI and Network equipment and installation
- Tooling and storage cabinets
