VANCOUVER, B.C. — Despite being crippled by a container trucker strike for a significant part of the summer, the Port of Vancouver has recorded an increase in overall tonnage so far this year.

Overall tonnage has jumped four per cent to 38.2 million tonnes during the first half of 2005, the Vancouver Port Authority reports.

Total container shipments increased five per cent to a new record of 853,238 TEUs. The jump included an all-time record for monthly container shipments in May. The VPA says the recent container trucker strike may impact the third quarter container volumes.

Total dry bulk shipments jumped five per cent to 25.5 million tonnes. The VPA says the increase was fueled by an overall stronger global economy which created demand for potash, sulfur, coal and wheat.

Grain shipments rose five per cent to 4.3 million tonnes with wheat rising 12 per cent and canola remaining unchanged. The VPA attributes the increase to an increased demand for grains and feed.

Potash shipments through the Port of Vancouver increased six per cent to 3.3 million tonnes and coal shipments increased five per cent to 12.8 million tonnes. Sulfur shipments remained relatively unchanged.

Liquid bulk shipments through the port increased seven per cent to 3.8 million tonnes, thanks to an increased demand for petroleum. Petroleum exports surged 21 per cent to 2.4 million tonnes due to higher demand in the U.S. for crude oil, jet fuel and diesel fuel, the VPA says.

On the decline were chemical volumes (down four per cent), forest product shipments (down six per cent), lumber shipments (down 19 per cent) and wood pulp shipments (down six per cent).