The Port of Prince Rupert reports May cargo volumes are up 9 percent with 12,615,661 tons of cargo handled year-to-date, led by strong dry bulk volumes both for the month and year-to-date.
Ridley Terminals is experiencing the biggest growth in volume, up 68 percent from May 2019 volumes and up 39 percent year-to-date. The addition of propane volume from the AltaGas Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal, which has been operating for just over a year, has also contributed to the steady overall performance of the Port. As well, with strong demand for wood pellets, Westview Terminal is experiencing growth of 24 percent year-to-date.
The intermodal sector has been the most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, with a decrease in the movement of cargo on the entire trans-Pacific trade route. Volume at Fairview Terminal reveals a 12 percent decline year-to-date, though laden volumes have only decreased 6 percent. Throughput at Fairview Terminal declined 37 percent from May 2019, a significant decrease in volumes and employment hours that reflects the impact of containment measures in North America as a result of COVID-19.
