Just passing along what I heard is all.... I think there is still good viability of the smaller break bulk terminals in Maine especially with what's left of the paper industry but also their carve out of liquid bulk traffic could also be a good boost. Even Eastport without any rail connection is able to make it work, so I think the new connections will be helpful. Turners Island should not be forgotten I don't know much about Portsmouth but it seems they've done well with courting Sea-3. Not sure how CSX is going to gain competitive access to Searsport when its firmly on CP trackage, and again why would they with Portland/Portsmouth in their belt (as well as BalTerm and others).
Sears Island has a long history.... before Halifax became a megaport, they wanted to build one right there at Sears Island on the B&A with connection to CP. We all know how history went. 10 years ago even Baldacci and others wanted this but fate would similarly pick Canadian ports (remember the SJ port expansion effort began 10 years ago). The latest is a wind mill hub, which with CPKC could work out pretty well as a niche.
https://bangordailynews.com/2021/12/10/ ... oam40zk0w/
Lastly, I heard a rumor that I don't want to let any cats out of bags for... but if its true we'll know this month and it would be a major change in the transaction as we know it. Would be a refiling done of the application and could mitigate any 'competitive concerns'.