THE Port of Vancouver expects container volume to expand four per cent in 2015 after traffic increased 3.1 per cent to a record 2.9 million TEU in 2014 year on year.
Last year's throughput would have been even stronger had the port avoided a three-week truck strike in March, port CEO Robin Silvester told Newark's Journal of Commerce.
After being delayed at US west coast ports, some carriers shortened their time at berth at Canada's biggest port, reducing the window for the loading of exports and contributing to a seven per cent year-on-year decline in laden export boxes last year.
Starting this month, the port banned trucking companies unable to meet a financial threshold so it could reduce the number of truckers working the port, revoking 600 of 2,000 of Vancouver harbour truck licences.
US west coast harbour congestion drove a six per cent year-on-year increase in inbound laden container volume, as shippers diverted US-bound cargo through Vancouver.
Some 85 per cent of the port's container traffic is tied to Canada, with the remaining driven by US shippers, he said, reported JOC. This is different from the 95 per cent Canada-bound figure given in recent years.
Half Vancouver's trade is done with China in tonnage terms. Japanese trade made up the second-highest share at 10.1 per cent; followed by South Korea, seven per cent; Taiwan, nearly five per cent and India, 4.4 per cent.
The port plans to add 2.4 million TEU in annual capacity, by opening Roberts Bank Terminal 2 if it gains environmental permits and is expected to be running in the early 2020s.
PORTS
16 February 2015 - 20:45
Vancouver up 3.1pc in 2014 2.9 million TEU, expects 4pc growth in '15
THE Port of Vancouver expects container volume to expand four per cent in 2015 after traffic increased 3.1 per cent to a record 2.9 million TEU in 2014 year on year.
PORTS
16 February 2015 - 20:45
Vancouver up 3.1pc in 2014 2.9 million TEU, expects 4pc growth in '15
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