VANCOUVER, B.C.— Port Metro Vancouver has announced its second consecutive year of record-breaking cargo volumes.

According to the data, the port’s terminals handled 140 million tones of cargo last year – up 3% from 2013. Import cargo went up by 4.1% to 29 million tones and exports increased 3.3% to 111 million tones.

Port Metro Vancouver says the completion of major infrastructure projects and ongoing community engagement were key to this growth.

“The port had another record year for cargo volumes, illustrating the demands created by a growing Canadian economy and increasing international desire for Canadian trade,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “I’m proud of the leading-edge environmental initiatives, community engagement and infrastructure projects we have completed this year to help balance this continued growth with our local quality of life.”

In addition, bulk volumes increased more than 5% from 2013 with a notable increase in grain exports with an 18% jump in exports of wheat and 31% rise for canola.

Container volumes also continued to grow, with a 3.1% increase over 2013.

“Every year, millions of tonnes of cargo are handled at Port Metro Vancouver.  As we further develop our already robust trade ties with the world, this number will only go up,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport. “The record volume of goods that move through the port every year is testament to Canada’s strong economic growth, and demonstrates Canada’s important role as a vital trading partner to the rest of the world.”