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Container, grain and biofuel shipments surged over a 12-month period, while overall port volumes were tempered by decreases in coal and log exports.
“The record-breaking performance of specific terminals demonstrates the value of building a diversified port complex,” said Don Krusel, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Prince Rupert. “A strong year in some sectors offsets challenges faced by others. This underlines the port’s overall resilience, and its ability to sustain benefits to our community despite market fluctuations.”
Prince Rupert Grain saw a 25% increase in exports of Canadian agriculture products, with both canola and wheat volumes rising significantly over the previous year. The terminal’s total tonnage — nearly 6.5 million tonnes — is the highest ever since the terminal opened in 1984.
Fairview Container Terminal moved 618,167 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) of containerized cargo, more than a 15% increase over 2013. The terminal has experienced consistent year-over-year growth in volumes since it opened in 2007.
Westview Wood Pellet Terminal completed its first full year of operation having moved over half-a-million tonnes of biofuel to markets in Asia and Europe. The pellets are manufactured from waste wood products at mills across British Columbia and are shipped by rail to Prince Rupert for export.
Overall port tonnage was diminished by 10% as coal and log exports constricted in response to market forces.
“The enviable global reputation of all Prince Rupert’s terminals is owed to their hard-working men and women,” said Krusel. “Their commitment to safety, efficiency and reliability is the foundation of our ability to handle unprecedented cargo volumes — with more to come in the year ahead.”
The full summary of 2014 port activity is available atwww.rupertport.com/trade/performance.
