Port of Prince Rupert and DP World have agreed on terms of a project development plan that outlines the next phase of expansion for the DP World Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal. The Phase 2B expansion will increase annual throughput capacity at Canada’s second largest container terminal to 1.8 million TEUs when complete in 2022.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “Canada is an important part of our global network and we are delighted to confirm these plans, which underline our commitment to Prince Rupert, which plays a major role in enabling trade in the region and across the west coast with rail connections inland to the rest of the country and the United States.”
The Phase 2B project follows the 2017 completion of Fairview Phase 2A, which increased the terminal capacity by 500,000 TEUs to its current capacity of 1.35 million TEUs. Construction on Phase 2B will begin in mid-2019. There will be an initial gradual release of capacity to 1.6 million TEUs, in 2020 following the completed expansion of the container yard to the south. The project will expand the container yard from its current 32 hectares to 41 hectares and add two new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes as well as an eighth dock gantry crane.
Port of Prince Rupert Chair, Bud Smith, said: “This project will provide critical trade-enabling infrastructure for Canada’s west coast, a timely response to forecasted growth in trans-Pacific trade and supportive of Canada’s efforts to diversify markets through new free trade agreements such as the CPTPP.”
CN Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, JJ Ruest, said: “Together with our supply chain partners, this expansion, combined with CN’s investments in B.C. and across its rail network, positions us to drive this unique trade gateway success story forward.”
ILWU Local 505 President, Glen Edwards, said: “We’re ready to meet new demand while continuing to provide an exceptional service.”
Lax Kw’alaams Mayor, John Helin, said: “The continued expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal is welcome news and represents further economic participation and shared prosperity for our members and the entire region.”Metlakatla Chief Councillor, Harold Leighton, said: “We are excited to continue playing a significant role in the development and successful operation of intermodal activities in Prince Rupert, which have a positive impact on the lives of so many.”