Deepwater multi-modal facility open for business

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C.– The Canadian supply chain has taken a huge step closer to the Asian market thanks in a big part to the opening of the new huge Port of Prince Rupert container terminal.

The facility, which officially opened yesterday, is the closest North American port to Asia.

“CN is now positioned to provide shippers with a seamless door-to-door transportation solution and to ensure the safe and secure flow of goods throughout the North American continent,” says James M. Foote, CN executive vice-president, Sales and Marketing. “CN, in partnership with the port authority and Maher Terminals, will offer the marketplace the fastest, most efficient and most cost-effective routing for Asian traffic destined to and from the interior of North America, including the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Chicago and Memphis.”

As the closest port to Asia by up to 58 hours of sailing time compared to any other West Coast port in North America, Prince Rupert gives shippers approximately one extra round-trip voyage per year.

The Port is strategically located to handle excess capacity on one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors with expansion plans in the near future.

With the terminal officially open for business and the first major customer, COSCO Container Lines Americas, Inc., signed on, CN has firmly established itself as a key player serving the newest Pacific Gateway.

“CN has upgraded tunnels and bridges, built new intermodal terminals in Prince George and Edmonton, acquired 2,250 platform cars and 50 new state-of-the-art locomotives specifically to serve our new venture,” said Foote.