The complex web of global trade and supply chain logistics practically hums with technical innovation. But sometimes, something as simple as a suburban stoplight, a prairie snowstorm, or traffic congestion can threaten to bring the entire global system to a standstill, creating what industry insiders commonly call a “bottleneck.”
In this new podcast series, we’ll break these bottlenecks open by exploring the intricacies, infrastructure and innovations that connect Canada’s businesses and communities with the world, as seen through the inner workings of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port, and those who rely on it.
Episode 1: Trains, grain and snow
On this episode of Breaking Bottlenecks—a new shipping industry insider's podcast about the Port of Vancouver—we look at the quintessential bottleneck: capacity. How much of something can you move, and how fast? To get a better sense of this, we’ll explore two iconic elements of Canada—grain and winter—and the journey from prairie to port, and beyond. Plus, we’ll find out how data-sharing is changing the way Canada does business, and is earning the port a global reputation for efficiency. You'll hear from Peter Xotta, vice president, planning and operations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Jeff Edwards, the AVP of marketing and strategy for demand management at CP Rail, and Kyle Jeworski, president and CEO of Viterra, in Regina.
Episode 2: Unlocking land use through collaboration
As shipping increases and the industrial land base shrinks—especially prime trade-enabling real estate along Vancouver's waterfront—how do we balance increased growth in trade with limited space? The answer involves some creative thinking around maximizing land use, and a lot of collaboration with terminal operators, governing bodies, and local communities. On this episode of Breaking Bottlenecks, brought to you by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, host Aaron Chapman speaks with Brad Eshleman, president of Western Stevedoring, Theresa Rawle, manager of planning and development at the port authority, along with the port authority’s director of infrastructure delivery, Devan Fitch.
Episode 3: Energy, efficiency and the environment
People in Vancouver care deeply about the environment. But in an industry where freight, weight, and delivery date have historically driven decisions, how do we work to lessen our environmental impact, while still keeping shipping lines and terminal operators afloat? On this episode of Breaking Bottlenecks, brought to you by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, host Aaron Chapman speaks with Joel Werner, the Director of Engineering and Projects at DP World, – which operates the Centerm container terminal in Vancouver, as well as Peter Idema, Viterra’s director of West Coast Terminal Operations. He also hears from the port authority’s director of environmental programs, Carrie Brown, and their vice president of planning and operations, Peter Xotta.
Episode 4: Neighbours working together
Port infrastructure expansion benefits the economy, but can also raise questions in surrounding communities. Public perception can make or break a project, which is why it's critically important for communities and industry to work together. North Vancouver's Low-Level Road and Spirit Trail Project is a great example of this cooperation in action. On this episode of Breaking Bottlenecks, brought to you by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, join host Aaron Chapman as he digs into the neighbourly negotiations that preceded this epic rail and road expansion project. Hear from Lisa Dooling, the Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement at Neptune Terminals, Linda Buchanan, current Mayor of the City of North Vancouver, and the port authority's vice president of environment, community and government affairs, Duncan Wilson.
In this new podcast series, we’ll break these bottlenecks open by exploring the intricacies, infrastructure and innovations that connect Canada’s businesses and communities with the world, as seen through the inner workings of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port, and those who rely on it. To listen to all four of the episodes, click here
