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Port of Prince Rupert: Canada’s Leading Edge

The Port of Prince Rupert handled 24.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2022 and is embarking on an ambitious phase of expansion to ensure a globally competitive, resilient and sustainable Canadian trade gateway continues to anchor the northern BC economy well into the future.

Credit: Port of Prince Rupert

The Port of Prince Rupert handled 24.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2022 and is embarking on an ambitious phase of expansion to ensure a globally competitive, resilient and sustainable Canadian trade gateway continues to anchor the northern BC economy well

The port complex handles a variety of commodities and cargo through numerous terminal operators, ranging from bulk agricultural exports to specialized, refrigerated container handling. In addition, Prince Rupert’s role as a tourism destination is rapidly becoming a key stop on cruise itineraries.

The Prince Rupert Gateway offers significant strategic advantages to customers—the shortest transpacific sailing route between North America and Asia; the deepest natural harbour in North America; uncongested rail connection to CN’s vast North American network and the flattest grade through the Rocky Mountains to top tier distribution centres; safe, short and sheltered transit to and from Pacific shipping lanes in piloted waters; exceptional labour and community support; and significant capacity for growth. This year promises to be a pivotal point in the gateway’s development history.

Building Out the Intermodal Ecosystem to Support Canadian Exporters

Multiple projects are underway that, when combined, will form a robust, full-service intermodal gateway. These projects include DP World Prince Rupert’s terminal expansion from 1.6M TEUs to 1.8M TEUs, a two-year feasibility assessment agreement between DP World and PRPA for a second container terminal, progress on two unique transloading facilities—the South Kaien Import Logistics Park and the proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Project—and a 5 km private haul road that shortens truck distances and diverts container truck traffic away from public roadways.

Accelerating the Global Energy Transition & Sustainability Practices in Shipping

Export demand for western Canadian energy products remains strong through AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal, Pembina’s Watson Island LPG Bulk Terminal and Drax’s Westview Wood Pellet Terminal. The Vopak Pacific Canada Project, a bulk liquids storage facility, reached a significant regulatory milestone with its environmental effects determination. Shore power was operationalized at Fairview Container Terminal, allowing ships to power down their generators while at berth. Trigon Pacific Terminals, formerly Ridley Terminals Inc., announced $75 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund toward construction of a second berth that will enable the terminal to diversify and double capacity.

Partnering for a Better Northern BC

Cruise ships returned to Prince Rupert in 2022 in a significant way after a two-year hiatus, marking the Port’s busiest cruise season in over a decade. PRPA established a 10-year Terminal Operating Agreement with Global Ports Holding (GPH) to take the cruise development experience to the next level. The Port partners with countless industry-leading organizations and grassroots community groups to ensure local representation in all that it does while sharing the economic benefits it generates with its host communities.

Learn more about the Port of Prince Rupert at rupertport.com.