Major Increase in Port Capacity for Prince Rupert

PRINCE RUPERT – BUSINESS – The Port of Prince Rupert can now accommodate the largest container vessels in the world, following DP World’s expansion of its Fairview Container Terminal that increases the Port’s container-handling capacity to 1.35 million TEUs annually.

This expansion for cargo will help boost economic development for Prince Rupert and British Columbia.

“Fairview Terminal’s expansion is great news for B.C. exporters and for communities throughout northern B.C., with hundreds of new jobs being created moving goods on rail, in trucks, and at the Port itself. DP World’s investment in the Port of Prince Rupert solidifies B.C.’s importance as a major gateway for Asia-Pacific trade,”says Bruce Ralston, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.

“The Port of Prince Rupert plays a major role in strengthening British Columbia’s economy and in providing opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs, businesses and workers across the country by facilitating the quick and efficient movement of made-in-Canada goods to the world. The Government of Canada is working hard to deepen our trading relationship throughout the burgeoning Asia-Pacific region so we can ensure more Canadian companies can get their world-class goods to these important markets and, in so doing, create good middle-class jobs at home,” states François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade.

The conclusion of the two-year “Phase 2 North” expansion project was celebrated today by shippers, supply chain partners, local labour and First Nations and community leaders with a ribbon cutting and community open house attended by thousands.

The expansion grows Fairview Container Terminal’s annual throughput capacity from 850,000 to 1.35 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

The terminal now includes a second vessel berth serviced by three new “big ship ready” Malacca-max cranes, allowing 20,000+ TEU vessels to access the terminal through one of the deepest port harbours in the world. In addition, 6,000 more feet of on-dock rail and an 11-hectare increase to the terminal footprint will add even more speed and reliability to terminal services.

As cargo volumes grow to fill the new capacity, over 200 new jobs are expected to be created on the terminal.

Since its conversion from a break-bulk facility in 2007, Fairview Container Terminal has been recognized as one of the fastest growing container terminals in North America, and established a reputation as one of the fastest and most reliable trans-Pacific trade gateways. Its location in Prince Rupert provides the closest proximity to Asia and direct access to the most reliable rail network reach of any terminal on the west coast.

Maksim Mihic, General Manager of DP World Canada, said the expansion represents a forward-thinking commitment to providing shipping lines and cargo owners with fast, reliable container service that’s always ahead of customer demand. “Prince Rupert’s success has been driven by its unparalleled geographical position on the trans-Pacific trade route, its high terminal productivity, and its consistently low dwell times that have sustained despite our significant growth in throughput over the past two years,” said Mihic.

“However, as global trade has grown, so have container vessels. In order to meet the needs of our customers and capitalize on other opportunities, we needed an upgrade. Thankfully, our strong relationships with our expansion project partners, ILWU, the Port of Prince Rupert and CN Rail have resulted in an impressive transformation that will provide reliable and competitive service for our customers.”

Don Krusel, President and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert, said the expansion is an important part of its future growth strategy. “We continue to build on our strengths, and ensure that as we grow as a Port we will maintain the velocity and fluidity that got us here,” said Krusel.

“This project is a significant addition to Canada’s trade infrastructure, and provides tremendous value to our shippers and many partners. It has become a major contributor to the regional economy, and could not have been realized without collaboration and support of industry, labour, government, First Nations and our local communities.”

“Congratulations to the Port of Prince Rupert and DP World on the 10-year anniversary of the Fairview Container Terminal and the newly-opened expansion. The Port of Prince Rupert holds a premier place on the global trade map and the last decade of supply chain collaboration between the port, terminal operators, CN and other partners has become the model for how to establish and grow a trade corridor. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership as we facilitate the growth of our customers import and export markets,” says Luc Jobin, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN.

“The men and women of the ILWU feel great pride and ownership of everything we’ve accomplished at the Port of Prince Rupert. Our collective success is a great story about what can be achieved when partners work together toward a common goal,” comments Glen Edwards, President, ILWU Local 505.

“We’re very pleased with how the container terminal has helped the area grow and benefited Lax Kw’alaams and its members. DP World and the Port have enjoyed a great 10 years of success – and it has also been ours, in terms of enhanced business, training and employment opportunities. We look forward to building on this relationship,” says John Helin, Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams.