Why pursue the expansion at Deltaport when the Port of Prince Rupert is willing and able to handle the projected container volumes?
It is not a simple either/or scenario. According to the BC Ports Strategy, by 2020 port container traffic will quadruple and current capacity at container facilities is already nearing capacity. Prince Rupert will play a significant role to increase B.C.’s container capacity in order to handle these projected volumes. However, it will not replace the need for container expansion at Port Metro Vancouver, including the Deltaport Third Berth Project. Prince Rupert will not serve Lower Mainland consumer markets. Cargo through Prince Rupert will primarily serve east coasts markets in Canada and the US. Over 30 per cent of cargo through PMV is destined for consumer markets in the Lower Mainland and the rest of British Columbia. The entire B.C. port system must work together in order for Canada to effectively meet the demands of container trade and facilitate the growth of Asia-Pacific trade.
