Vancouver sees container traffic rise 5pc in 2015 to record 3.1 million TEU

Time:2016-02-24 Browse:132 Author:RISINGSUN
THE Port of Vancouver has announced that containerised cargo volume rose five per cent in 2015 year on year to 3.1 million TEU, driven by increased trade with Asia.

Overall volume remained steady at 138 million tonnes year on year as one sector`s decline was offset by another, hitting record highs, namely in the container, potash, grain and agri-product segments.

Grain and agri-product exports increased by eight per cent over 2014 to total 25.1 million tonnes, and potash exports were up 15.6 per cent at 8.7 million tonnes.

The port authority said cargo diversification has allowed the port to continue to grow, despite economic downturns in some sectors, and they anticipate growth will continue at about the same rate over the next five years.

"These strong and consistent cargo volumes through Port Metro Vancouver demonstrate the diversification of the port and the Canadian economy," said CEO Robin Silvester. "The many terminals throughout the port have done a remarkable job of facilitating Canada`s trade."

Bulk specialty crop (lentils, pulses) volumes grew by 20 per cent to 3.5 million tonnes; breakbulk metal imports (construction steel and fabricated components) amounted to 1.4 million tonnes.

Foreign forest product exports were slightly down at 10.9 million tonnes; and coal volumes fell by eight per cent mainly due to reduced demand from China and lower thermal coal exports from the US.