Canada’s largest seaport, Port Metro Vancouver, saw six percent growth in cargo volumes through the first half of 2013 compared with the same six months last year, according to newly released data.
The data includes new records in key sectors, and a strong 2013 cruise season, according to the port.
The 2013 mid-year cargo volume statistics report shows that Port Metro Vancouver handled over 66 million tons of cargo through the end of June, compared with 62 million tons in the first half of 2012, a 6.3 percent increase.
“What we have seen to the mid-point in 2013 is continuing strong demand for Canadian natural resources, with all the major economic benefits that provides for the local and national economy,” Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester said in a statement.
Total foreign tonnage at Port Metro Vancouver posted a seven percent increase with 52.7 million tons handled. Total domestic tonnage also increased by three percent to 13.7 million tons.
“Port Metro Vancouver’s strong 2013 mid-year growth is clear proof that our Asia-Pacific Gateway strategy is working,” Canada Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt said in a statement.
The port also saw a 21 percent increase in paying cruise passengers during the first half of 2013, with the number rising from about 262,600 to nearly 318,000. The number of voyages was up over 27 percent, going from 76 during the first half of last year to 97 within the first six months of 2013.
