Port Metro Vancouver sees increase in cargo volumes

by Truck News

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Port Metro Vancouver says it has seen cargo volumes increase 1.5% so far this year compared to the first half of 2014.

The port has processed 70.3 million metric tonnes of total cargo during the first half of 2015.

“We are seeing continued growth of trade through Port Metro Vancouver as Canadian demand for foreign products and international demand for Canadian resources continue to increase,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “Our status as North America’s most diversified port is significant as overall cargo grew in the first half of 2015 despite some softening markets and global economic uncertainty.”

The port saw increases in wheat, sulphur, potash, lumber and consumer goods in the first half of this year, offsetting declines in coal and petroleum products.

Container trade showed substantial growth, with an 8% jump in the number of twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs). This jump exceeded expectations and could be partly attributable to the impact of US cargo diverted to Vancouver as the result of labour strife.

Auto volumes rebounded and were up 7%.

“The port continues to grow in response to increasing consumer and international demand,” said Silvester. “It remains critical that we continue working with government and other stakeholders to build related infrastructure and maintain the supply of available land to support trade and goods movement.”


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