The Port of Prince Rupert had a banner year in 2011 with record exports of forest, coal and grain products to China, Japan and Korea.
According to just-released figures from the B.C. and federal government, last year the port saw:
- 19.3 million tonnes of cargo move through the port, an 18% increase over 2010;
- coal tonnage shipped from Ridley Terminals Inc. increase 16% over 2010, largely due to increased exports of metallurgical coal from western Canada and northeast B.C.
- a 20% increase in container traffic at Fairview Container Terminal compared with 2010, driven largely by exports of B.C. pulp, lumber and other wood products to Asian markets;
- a 59% increase in loaded containers shipped out through Prince Rupert compared with 2010, with much of the growth attributed to strong exports of B.C. forest products to the expanding Chinese market;
- a 17% increase in 2011 volumes of grain shipping through Prince Rupert Grain compared with the previous year, with the majority of the growth coming from barley, canola and grain pellets from Canadian growers.
“We are ecstatic about continued growth at the Port of Prince Rupert, and we credit the efficient and committed workforce as the key driver of success,” said Don Krusel, Prince Rupert Port Authority CEO.
“It also stems from the support of citizens, companies and cities along the entire trade corridor.”
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV