Posted on February 28, 2022
DP World and the Prince Rupert Port Authority have entered into a two-year agreement to assess the feasibility of a new container terminal in Prince Rupert Port.
The potential project would add up to 2 million TEU of annual capacity to the port while also significantly increasing Canadian trade capacity with critical Asia-Pacific markets.
The news represents the port authority’s continued advancement in its container terminal master plan from 2019, which outlined the potential for an additional terminal, south of the existing Fairview Terminal.
Under the newly announced agreement, both parties will begin various studies on the proposed site, specifically focusing on steps to minimise the port’s environmental and community impact, improve the resilience of Canadian supply chains, and ensure the project’s full integration into the port’s intermodal ecosystem.
“This agreement is a clear demonstration of our commitment and confidence in the viability of a second terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert,” said Maksim Mihic, CEO and General Manager of DP World (Canada) Inc.
“Our vision for this proposed project will ensure the Canadian trade and supply chain landscapes are future-proofed. The feasibility studies will employ a pragmatic approach, exploring the use of advanced technologies and ideas to position the new terminal as an industry leader within Canada and the world.”
Canada has already outlined the need for additional container terminal capacity within the next decade and this newly proposed facility should fill this need, deploying leading-edge technologies, efficient rail and truck connectivity with a focus on the optimisation of the supply chain as a whole.
Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, added: “As Canada’s third-largest Port, Prince Rupert is a proven driver of sustainable economic development in northern British Columbia and has been fortunate to earn the support of communities throughout the corridor.
“A second container terminal will help consumers, exporters and industries across the country while continuing to contribute significant economic benefit for local communities, the broader region and our Indigenous partners.”
Current projects are underway to position the existing Fairview Terminal as a fully integrated intermodal system that will provide efficiency and competitiveness for Canadian shippers.
By increasing capacity through a second container terminal, it will increase industry access to faster service, wider reach, and the reliability of the Prince Rupert Port.
Once the study period is complete, the port and DP World will finalise a definitive project development plan that will be subject to regulatory review and authorisation.
Back in January 2021, Prince Rupert Port received CAN$25 million ($19.81 million) from the government of British Columbia to improve and expand infrastructure at the Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform and enhance its capacity for containerised trade.
Once complete, the new platform will increase the Port’s transloading capacity from 75,000 TEU to 400,000 TEU annually.
