VanPort experiences record traffic flow

VANCOUVER — The Port of Vancouver says that with the exception of breakbulk, it posted record tonnage in all sectors during the first half of 2007.

In a mid-year report, Port of Vancouver also showed its highest ever volume for a one month period, with overall tonnage at 7.8 million. With June numbers alone almost 300,000 tonnes higher than the previous high last October, 2007 is shaping up to be a record year, the company said.

“June represents a landmark month for the Port of Vancouver and underscores a continuing growth trend for the gateway, led by Canadian bulk exports,” said Chris Badger, VPA’s Vice President, Customer Development and Operations. “As a trading nation, this is likely good news for Canada’s economy.”

Stronger outbound laden container traffic is contributing
to a very positive outlook for the year overall

Overall, total tonnage increased by 4.5 percent to a record 39.9 million tonnes. Bright spots included potash volumes, which surged by nearly 137 percent to more than 3 million tonnes, and lumber volumes, which jumped by almost 25 percent to 1.4 million tonnes.

Coal continued as the top commodity by volume, and together with increases in potash reflects a strong recovery from a slow start to the year due to weather and two rail strikes. Sulphur volumes decreased by 14 percent, due to lower Canadian production and high domestic demand so far this year.

Container traffic increased by five percent. Volumes reached 1,086,640, up from 1,035,189 at the mid-year mark in 2006. Stronger than anticipated outbound laden container traffic is contributing to a very positive outlook for the year overall.

Growth in minerals, metals and inorganic chemicals reflects continued economic expansion and manufacturing activity in Asia as well as booming construction activities in B.C. and Alberta. Inorganic chemicals including caustic soda, locally used in manufacturing pulp, paper and textiles, increased 80 percent.

Strong trade flows between Canada and the US saw petroleum products, particularly crude oil and jet fuel, increase 18 percent.

There was much-needed good news for lumber and other wood products, which rose significantly, in part due to recent growth in demand from Japan. Woodpulp exports decreased due to a strong North American domestic market as well as competition from South America and Asia.

Grain traffic at the port decreased overall as some wheat exports were diverted through the Port of Prince Rupert, while a share of canola business to Mexico was shipped over land by rail rather than by sea.

Breakbulk cargo was down slightly in response to an increasing shift of breakbulk volumes to containers and a reduction in steel imports, as well as the decline in woodpulp exports mentioned earlier.