VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Port of Vancouver experienced record overall tonnage growth during the first half of 2007 and posted gains in all business sectors with the exception of breakbulk tonnage.

In June, the Port of Vancouver also showed its highest ever volume for a one month period, with overall tonnage at 7.8 million. With June numbers alone almost 300,000 tonnes higher than the previous high last October, 2007 is shaping up to be a record year.

“June represents a landmark month for the Port of Vancouver and underscores a continuing growth trend for the gateway, led by Canadian bulk exports,” said Chris Badger, vice-president of the Vancouver Port Authority Customer Development and Operations. Overall, total tonnage increased by 4.5% to a record 39.9 million tonnes. Potash volumes surged by nearly 137% to more than three million tonnes, and lumber volumes jumped by almost 25% to 1.4 million tonnes.

Growth in minerals, metals and inorganic chemicals reflects continued economic expansion and manufacturing activity in Asia as well as booming construction activities in B.C. and Alberta. Strong trade flows between Canada and the US saw petroleum products, particularly crude oil and jet fuel, increase 18%.

Container traffic at the Port of Vancouver increased by 5%, reflecting growth of laden import and export traffic.