- HOPA Ports delivered a strong 2025 navigation season, moving 10.8 million MT of cargo across its expanding port network.
- Agri‑food, construction materials, and general cargo surged, including a 33% jump in gypsum, a key construction commodity.
- HOPA is accelerating the building of a Great Lakes Port Network in 2026, with new partnerships, including Sault Ste. Marie, designed to strengthen port‑to‑port connectivity, enhance access to export markets, and position Ontario industries for long‑term global competitiveness.
HAMILTON, ON – HOPA Ports (Hamilton–Oshawa Port Authority) is reporting a successful 2025 navigation season, with 10,814,699 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo handled across its growing Great Lakes Port Network. Despite a challenging global economic climate and shifting trade conditions, HOPA continued to advance cargo diversification and expand trade‑enabling infrastructure, strengthening Ontario’s competitiveness and opening new doors for Canadian exporters.
In 2025, the Port of Hamilton handled 10,350,606 MT, the Port of Oshawa handled 464,093 MT, and the Thorold Hub moved 116,561 MT. A total of 592 vessels called at Hamilton, 72 at Oshawa, and 9 at Thorold.
“This year demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of our port network,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports. “Through long‑term planning and strategic partnerships, we are building a Great Lakes Port Network that connects Ontario industries to global markets, supports economic growth, and strengthens supply chains for decades to come.”
“This year demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of our port network,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports. “Through long‑term planning and strategic partnerships, we are building a Great Lakes Port Network that connects Ontario industries to global markets, supports economic growth, and strengthens supply chains for decades to come.”
CARGO MIX REFLECTS STRENGTH IN AGRI-FOOD & LONG-TERM DIVERSIFICATION
As part of its long‑standing strategy to diversify trade, HOPA continues to invest in a robust, province‑wide port and logistics network, ensuring “Canada is its own best trading partner” by strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding access to global markets.
Agri Food Growth Continues
Agri‑food cargo volumes including fertilizer, grain, and sugar, grew 3% over 2024, increasing by 85,796 MT across the port network. Raw sugar and fertilizer saw especially strong gains at the Port of Hamilton, supporting Ontario’s food manufacturing sector.
Construction and Building Materials on the Rise
Gypsum, a key building material used in drywall, increased 33% over last year, driven by regional housing construction and commercial development.
Steel Sector Impacted by Tariffs
Steel cargo experienced a sharp decline largely due to tariff instability. Other raw steel‑making materials fell 5%, mirroring wider manufacturing slowdowns.
Oshawa Cargo Up 10%
The Port of Oshawa posted a 10% increase in cargo year-over-year, supported by the movement of oversized industrial equipment including components for Metrolinx’s Ontario Line tunnel boring project.
General Cargo Nearly Doubles
General cargo volumes jumped 92% over 2024; this includes machinery, parts, pressure vessels, transformer sets, and tank systems.
BUILDING A STRONGER GREAT LAKES PORT NETWORK
“We’re building a Great Lakes Port Network that benefits the country, particularly businesses right here in Ontario” Hamilton added. “By strengthening port‑to‑port connections and modernizing infrastructure, we’re positioning Ontario industries for long‑term growth and ensuring Canada is its own best customer.”
WHAT TO WATCH IN 2026:
- Continued collaboration with Sault Ste. Marie to enhance Great Lakes connectivity
- HOPA in partnership with Hamilton Container Terminals (HCT) and CBSA are advancing rail container movement to strengthen domestic supply chains and improve inland market access.
- Sucro Can comes online as Canada’s largest sugar refinery, boosting national agri‑food production.
- Parrish & Heimbecker hits full operational capacity with two new grain silos and a third flour mill.
- New developments in Port Colborne will support expanded trade flows across the network.
ABOUT HOPA PORTS
As an integrated port network, the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) offers port and marine assets in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara to support Ontario industries and facilitate trade. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, HOPA helps build prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. Overseeing more than 1,400 acres and more than 180 tenant companies, 40,000 Ontario jobs are connected to the cargo that passes through HOPA’s integrated ports.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Noseworthy
Communications Advisor
[email protected]
Media Assets can be found HERE
Password (case sensitive): HOPA-cargo-2025
Video and Photo credit: HOPA Ports
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