Port Metro Vancouver in Growth Mode

 Port Metro Vancouver, Canada’s largest port, recorded continued growth in trade through the Pacific Gateway, according to its 2015 mid-year statistics.

Total cargo was 70.3 million metric tonnes, an increase of 1.5 per cent over the same period in 2014.

“We are seeing continued growth of trade through Port Metro Vancouver as Canadian demand for foreign products and international demand for Canadian resources continue to increase,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver.

“Our status as North America’s most diversified port is significant as overall cargo grew in the first half of 2015 despite some softening markets and global economic uncertainty.”

Movement of breakbulk and bulk dry cargo rose 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively, the stats show.

Trade using containers showed substantial growth, with an 8 per cent jump in the number of twenty-foot-equivalent units.

the port attributed the continued growth in container numbers on the west coast of Canada due to the impact of U.S. cargo diverted to Vancouver earlier this year in response to labour unrest at U.S. west coast ports, and deflated results last year due to the 28-day Vancouver trucking dispute in March 2014.

“The port continues to grow in response to increasing consumer and international demand,” continued Silvester. “It remains critical that we continue working with government and other stakeholders to build related infrastructure and maintain the supply of available land to support trade and goods movement.”