Port Metro Vancouver, Canada’s largest seaport, handled 122.5 million tons of cargo, a 3.4 per cent increase over the 118.4 million tons moved in 2010, according to its year-end statistics report.
The increase was despite a 22 percent decrease and four percent drop, respectively, in amounts auto and break bulk tonnage moved. The declines were countered by increases of five percent and four percent, respectively, in the amount of bulk and containerized cargo that moved through the port during the year.
Total domestic tonnage for the year rose seven percent to 26.9 million tons and total foreign tonnage saw a 2.5 percent increase to 95.6 million tons, according to the report, which was released earlier this month.
The port saw particular growth in laden export containers, which it cited as a key indicator of cargo demand by Asian economies.
“Port Metro Vancouver’s strong growth in moving exports to priority markets in the Asian-Pacific region demonstrates clearly how the federal government’s strategic investments and partnerships in building the Asia-Pacific Gateway continue to help strengthen our economy,” Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Ed Fast, said.
Canada’s natural resources volumes also showed strong growth last year, with new records set in coal, potash and forest products exports.
Port Metro Vancouver’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Robin Silvester, said the increased volume numbers were an indication of the continued resiliency in the Canadian export market.
“As international economies continue to face many difficult challenges, Canada’s natural resources sectors stand as a cornerstone of the Canadian economy,” he said. “Our natural geographical advantage as the closest major Gateway to Asia Pacific economies presents continuing opportunities for growth in the coming years.”
Friday, February 24, 2012
