VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Port of Vancouver is on pace for a record year in container shipments, which should mark the 14th straight year of growth for Canada’s busiest port.

In addition to container traffic, forest products and potash were also on the rise while some other bulk commodities suffered declines.

“The strong continued growth in containers speaks to the role that the Port can continue to increase jobs and build our economy,” said Capt. Gordon Houston, president and CEO of the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).

Container growth was up 16 per cent during the first six months of this year, totaling 752,819 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Imports were up 21 per cent while exports increased by three per cent over the same period last year.

Overall tonnage moved through the port declined six per cent to 31.6 million tonnes and dry bulk shipments were down 10 per cent to 20.6 million tonnes. Coal shipments were also down four per cent.

Grain was down 44 per cent from last year due to bad weather and a well-publicized grain worker lockout late last year.

The VPA wants the feds to modify the Canada Marine Act, to allow the port more flexibility in raising funds for expansion.