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Port of Vancouver

Playing a critical role connecting Canada ’ s growing trade to world markets , the Port of Vancouver handles approximately half of Canada ’ s total containerized imports and exports . The port ’ s four container terminals handle millions of TEUs yearly , from imports of construction materials , vehicle parts and household goods to exports of lumber , fi sh and meat .

As Canada ’ s international trade volumes grow — including Canada ’ s containerized trade , which remains on a longterm growth trajectory — the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is working with industry and government to enhance capacity , reliability and resilience at the Port of Vancouver .

“ We know now more than ever , businesses are looking for reliable supply chains to move their goods in and out of North America ,” said Jane Banham , acting director of trade development at the port authority .

“ That ’ s why a key focus for us right now is collaborating on new digital tools and enhanced data-sharing opportunities that can unlock latent capacity from existing infrastructure and support reliable , resilient supply chains ,” Banham added .

Port marine terminals connect anywhere from 140 to 170 countries by sea yearly and send and receive goods inland from across North America via two Class I rail line partners ( CN and CPKC ). The Port of Vancouver is a mature operation with many supply chain partners , all of whom operate in a land-constrained region . This makes digitalization , collaboration and data sharing particularly important in order to ensure existing infrastructure is used

www . joc . com to its maximum potential and support better decision making by gateway users and operators .

The port authority launched its Connect + program in 2023 to unify and focus a growing suite of supply chain optimization initiatives underway at the port .

Connect + initiatives cover the entirety of the port ’ s supply chain and include :

• Enhanced reliability and fl uidity of ship traffi c through active vessel traffi c management ( centralized scheduling system ) in Burrard Inlet . The system is set to expand to cover vessel traffi c bound for 16 terminals in the inner harbor , including the Centerm and Vanterm container terminals , later this year . Data-sharing possibilities are already helping terminals , port users and stakeholders in Burrard Inlet optimize their operations .

• A Truck Licensing System with GPS monitoring that has provided data and insights for over a decade to inform operational decisions and led the port to have some of the best turn times in North America . In 2024 , the average container truck turn time is an industry-leading 40 minutes .

• Government support to be a testbed where new digital technologies can be developed to support growing trade volumes and strengthen supply chains . Early work underway focuses on visibility tools that will give port users and operators better insight into goods movement . “ We know that collaboration , digital tools and data sharing will play an increasingly important role at the Port of Vancouver , helping businesses and terminals move increased volumes and ensuring our supply chains can recover from any disruptions ,” said Banham . “ That ’ s why we are investing in partnerships and technology today to support a stronger Port of Vancouver tomorrow .”

September 9 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 29