Details On The Expansion Of British Columbia Ports To Attract More US Cargo


"British Columbia Ports To
Attract More US Cargo"

Accredited for attracting Asian imports that previously moved through the Oakland and Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Canadian Pacific Coast ports have succeeded in offering its valuable services with an edge.

Both of the British Columbian ports i.e. Vancouver and Prince Rupert have been working really hard to conquer US West Coast’s additional market share. The British Columbian ports have substantially increased the containerized import and export over the period of last four years. The following steps are being taken to ensure the same:

  • Revamping the cargo- handling competence of the ports.
  • Extending the terminal capacity.

Vancouver’s Past Records:


"Vancouver’s Past Records:"

A study conducted by Ocean Shipping Consultants shows that in 2008 only 7.5 % of the container volume was US cargo.

By the year 2013, Vancouver succeeded in setting up a strong market for the US cargo as it maintained to fetch 22.9 % of the container volume to its credit. With a fair share of 4.4 % of the total US containerized imports from Asia being handled by the British Columbian Ports.

Vancouver and Prince Rupert look forward to catering to more demand in future.

Vancouver And Prince Rupert’s Handling Capacity:


"Vancouver And Prince Rupert’s
Handling Capacity"

Measuring the TEU handling capacity by latest 2016, Vancouver has utilized 2.9 million laden and empty TEU, out of its total capacity of 3.7 million.

On the other hand, Prince Rupert has also shown an improving trend by handling 800,000 TEU out of its total capacity of 850,000 TEU.

What Lies Ahead?


"British Columbian Ports, Vancouver
and Prince Rupert"

Close analysis of the British Columbian ports - Vancouver and Prince Rupert shows that the limitation in its expansion process is the exhausted physical capacity. However, to overcome the limiting capacity factor and grab the US market share, Prince Rupert is already working on extending its physical capacity. An addition of 1.3 million TEU, has notably increased Prince Rupert’s physical capacity.

Vancouver’s Future Expansion Prospects:


"Vancouver’s Future Expansion Prospects"

With the hands-on approach, Vancouver is utilizing its present capacity to make the best use of its available resources and facilities. Additionally, the plan of constructing an advanced terminal at Roberts Bank is expected to increase the Port’s handling capacity by 2.4 million TEU. The same is contemplated to be completed by 2020.

Edge Of British Columbian Ports Over Other Counterparts: The Advantage Of Cost Effectiveness:


"The Advantage Of Cost Effectiveness"

According to the study conducted by the Ocean Shipping Consultants, the cheaper intermodal rates, the merchandise- processing fee and terminal handling costs makes Vancouver the proven best choice for shipping in comparison to the US West Coast port. As shipping through Vancouver has its own price advantage.

Increased Operational Efficiency:


"Increased Operational Efficiency"

Emphasis has been laid on improving the operational efficiency for attracting the US cargo. With the already existing less gate time for trucks, Vancouver port has maintained its operating stands and is looking forward to enhancing its productivity through operational enhancements. Three global vessel-sharing alliances and three new super-post-Panamax cranes will enhance the container holding capacity and it will pave way for further amplification. More outbound shipments will be attracted with the on-going advancements in the long run.