Record Volumes at Port Metro Vancouver
Canada's largest and most diverse port has released its 2013 year-end results showing continued growth, including a repeat of record volumes in the container and bulk sectors. In 2013, Port Metro Vancouver also advanced several ongoing capacity building infrastructure projects, updated and extended environmental initiatives and participated in substantial community engagement activities.
The 2013 year-end statistics report shows that Port Metro Vancouver handled 135 million metric tons of cargo, a record for the Port, and an overall increase of nine percent over 2012. Import and export tonnage maintained balanced growth, showing a nine-percent increase each. Increased demand for Canadian products, an ongoing transition to a consumer-based economy in China and recovery in Asia have fueled the continued growth of Canadian trade through the port.
"As we see continued growth of Canada's trade moving through Port Metro Vancouver, we strive to balance this growth with the need to protect our environment and respect the quality of life of our neighbours," said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. "Looking to the future, we remain firmly committed to facilitating Canada's trade, environmental stewardship, improved reliability, enhanced customer value, and improving the quality of life of British Columbians and Canadians through enabling economic activity."
Bulk cargo volumes also rose by 11 percent, buoyed by increases in coal and grain.
"Another year of growth at Port Metro Vancouver provides ongoing proof of the strength of the Canadian economy, and the success of our trade development focused policies and infrastructure investments," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport. "As we have acted to increase trade ties with Europe through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and look now to expand opportunities with Asia through the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), our forward thinking investments in infrastructure, coupled with Port Metro Vancouver's reputation as a reliable and competitive gateway, are contributing to the prosperity of Canadians across the country."
Cruise passenger numbers jumped 22 percent, providing significant injection into the local tourism economy, and container traffic continued growth at four percent, with a near equal number of import and export containers moving through the port.
"Port Metro Vancouver is a key enabler of British Columbia's economy, supporting more than 76,000 jobs across the province," said the Honorable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. "We are experiencing the success of the Pacific Gateway Strategy, as we continue to see growth in trade through the gateway and family supporting jobs that come with it."
