Canada’s Port Metro continued its growth in 2012, setting new records in the container and bulk sectors.
The 2012 year-end statistics report shows that Port Metro Vancouver handled 124 million tonnes of cargo through the end of December, an increase of one per cent over 2011. The 2012 throughput volumes reflect growth in Asian economies and continuing strength in the Canadian economy.
The year also marks the advancement of several capacity building infrastructure projects, new sustainability initiatives and extensive community engagement including participation in more than 600 community events.
“In order to best support Canada’s international and domestic trade, Port Metro Vancouver is seeking ways to engage with communities and improve the Port’s long-term sustainability,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “This Gateway must thrive so that we can continue to support the B.C. economy – but we must also grow in a way that balances the impacts of major projects with effects on local communities, delivering benefits for all residents in the Lower Mainland and for Canada, while serving the operational and capacity requirements of Port Metro Vancouver’s customers.”
Port Metro Vancouver is North America’s largest export port by tonnage and trades $75 billion in goods annually with more than 160 trading economies, generating across Canada an estimated 129,500 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $10.5 billion in GDP.