VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) and terminal operators are extending hours of operations at container terminals and off-dock facilities in the Port of Vancouver by an additional 20%.

The port’s three container terminals and five key independent off-dock facilities will add a Tuesday evening gate in a pilot program beginning July 4. In addition to Tuesday evenings, port terminals currently operate extended gates at least one other evening each week.

The Extended Gates Program is intended to increase container truck gate operations at Vanterm, Centerm and Deltaport by an average of 20% per year, over the next five years. The announcement represents a 40 to 60% increase in gate hours for 2006, authorities say.

“Extending gate hours increases capacity, helps to alleviate congestion at the terminals and speeds up transaction times. Extended hours of operations also make more efficient use of the region’s road networks by spreading truck traffic over a longer period, reducing congestion during traditional peak times and reducing emissions,” said Captain Chris Badger, the VPA’s vice-president, customer development and operations.

The Extended Gates Program is one example of a broader initiative to increase hours of operation throughout the lower mainland ports and off-site terminals. Extended gates and other supply chain initiatives continue to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of container movements within the region.

“For this initiative to be successful the port will have to work closely with all stakeholders including the shipping community, labour organizations, local municipalities and the provincial government,” said Badger.

The five off-dock facilities participating in the Extended Gates Program include Bridge Terminal Transport (BTT), Coast 2000 Terminals, Canadian Intermodal Services (CIS), Delta Container (Delco) and Marco Marine Container (Marco).