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Vancouver: Canada's busiest port

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Vancouver continues to be the country’s busiest port. In 2003, a record 68 million tonnes of cargo—15% of the total handled in Canada—passed through the Port of Vancouver. This was an increase of almost five million tonnes from 2002 and marked the first gain there since 2000.

Shipments of grains increased the most from 2002 to 2003, due to better growing and harvesting conditions on the Prairies. In particular, shipments of colza seeds (canola) alone were up 80% to three million tonnes.

Higher demand for coal and potash also gave an upswing to shipments. Coal continued to be the Port of Vancouver’s major commodity at 24 million tonnes. Higher demand from Europe and South America, each up 0.8 million tonnes, were chiefly responsible. Asia is traditionally our primary market for coal; however, from 2002 to 2003, Asian demand for coal eased slightly.

Cargo shipped to and from international locations made up 97% of the total cargo handled by the port. This is due primarily to Vancouver’s role as Canada’s gateway to Pacific Rim nations, including the rapidly expanding Asian market. Shipments to and from the United States made up 40% of all international shipments.

Business has not only grown for the Port of Vancouver. On average, Canadian ports have been handling more cargo. In 2003, all the ports handled 443 million tonnes. Of the total, 69% were international cargo for a record high of 307 million tonnes. Domestic shipments also reached their highest level since 1988, at 136 million tonnes.