Vancouver port to pilot single-point vessel scheduling system in 2026

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Pacific Pilotage Authority are launching a pilot initiative aimed at giving ship agents single-point access to both organizations’ vessel scheduling systems.

The pilot, which takes effect Jan. 7, 2026, will integrate the port authority’s centralized scheduling system with the Pacific Pilotage Authority’s Pilotage Dispatch and Management System (PDAMS). The goal is to streamline reporting, improve coordination and enable real-time data sharing during vessel calls at the Port of Vancouver.

The centralized scheduling system was introduced in late 2023 as part of the port authority’s Active Vessel Traffic Management program and is now used across its navigational jurisdiction to manage more than 3,000 vessel calls annually.

Under the pilot, participation will be limited to piloted vessels calling at Westridge Marine Terminal and will run for 60 days before being evaluated. Vessel agents involved in the trial will submit all required pilotage, arrival, transit and anchorage requests through the single-point access system using existing PDAMS login credentials.

The port authority and the Pacific Pilotage Authority say the initiative is intended to reduce administrative burden, standardize data models in line with international standards and improve interoperability between systems.

Feedback from participating agents will be used to refine the system and assess whether it can be expanded to other vessel traffic at the port.

The two organizations say only essential operational data will be collected during the pilot, with access restricted to authorized personnel and information shared solely to support safe and efficient vessel movements.