Port Metro Vancouver releases mid-year stats

VANCOUVER: Port Metro Vancouver has released its 2011 mid-year results, with the results showing the port handled 58.7 million tonnes of cargo in the first six months of 2011, a one-percent increase over the same period in 2010. Port Metro Vancouver’s 2011 mid-year statistics report highlights stable performance in key sectors and follows a strong 2010 that saw new records set in key sectors.

“As the year unfolds, it is clear that our strength lies in our diversity,” said Robin Silvester, president and CEO, Port Metro Vancouver. “We are pleased to see a renewed national focus on the importance of improving Canada’s trade and opportunities with rapidly growing Asian economies. Demand from Asian economies continues to be the cornerstone of the port’s success, and will drive our business in the future.”

Foreign exports to growing Asian economies continue to post increasing volumes in forest products, potash, and coal, the results said. Total foreign tonnage rose one percent this year to 46.1 million tonnes, while total domestic tonnage also grew one percent to 12.6 million tonnes. Other results include:

• Auto volumes dropped 28 percent, a reflection of the market challenges stemming from the major disruption of manufacturing in Japan due to the continuing impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami;
• Breakbulk cargo is down six percent overall. However, foreign breakbulk exports have posted a 12 percent increase due to the strength in demand for Canadian forest products, like lumber and logs; and
• Bulk volumes were up one percent overall, with dry bulk cargoes like coal and potash posting a two percent and 38 percent increase respectively, and liquid bulk cargo posting a 22 percent decrease.

Container traffic at the port has continued its upward trend, increasing five percent to 1.2 million TEUs as a 12 percent increase in containerized exports offset a weaker demand for consumer goods showing a one percent rise in imports. The Port also anticipates a significant increase in the number of shore power connections during the 2011 cruise season, with an estimated 56 shore power-enabled cruise calls, up from 44 in 2010.

Port Metro Vancouver 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.