Prince Rupert container volumes rise 33pc in July, exports nearly double

CANADA`s north Pacific Port of Prince Rupert has seen its loaded container volumes surge by 33.1 per cent in July.

Loaded imports increased by 18 per cent, while outbound volumes, less than third of the business at Prince Rupert, nearly doubled, reports Newark`s Journal of Commerce. The strong growth follows the addition of two services in May, bringing to four the number of weekly transpacific services at the port.


China Ocean Shipping Co in May added Prince Rupert to its South China service, and Hanjin Shipping added the port to its Pacific Northwest Express service.


In the first seven months of the year, Prince Rupert`s container volume rose by 16.5 per cent compared to the same period a year ago. But imports slid by 0.1 per cent, while exports were up 82.3 per cent, the report said.


The port handled 165,283 of loaded TEU in fiscal year 2011 ending July 31, up 15 per cent from the previous fiscal.