Prince Rupert’s Fairview terminal, (photo courtesy Maher Canada)

Prince George, B.C.-  The  development of  natural resources in northern B.C. will only be  a success if those resources can get to market.  That’s where the two major Ports in B.C. come into play.

It is now anticipated China  will surpass the United States in  exports from Canada by 2016.  “That is like tomorrow to me” says Prince Rupert  Port CEO Don Krusel “That is just four years away and that is about how long it will take to plan and make  the changes to address that growth.”

Krusel says there is a need for increased Port capacity.

“We have now been recognized as the fastest growing port in North America.  We have undergone a transformation under the past decade from being a modest regional port to being  recognized internationally and being much talked about as North America’s Gateway.”

Krusel says as  resource companies are ramping up to meet Asian demand,  West Coast ports are  either at or near their capacity.  “These commodities need to get to market, but they won’t if  we don’t increase  port capacity.”

He points to the Ridley Island coal terminal which  is undergoing a major expansion which will  double that port’s  capacity  from 12 million  tonnes per year to  24 million tonnes per year.

The Fairview Terminal is also in line for major  changes.  Krusel says  the Port’s  vision for the  end of this decade includes:

·         Expansion of capacity from 750 thousand  TEU’s  per year to 1.2 million TEUs  then  expand to 2 million TEUs

·         Bulk terminal to handle wet or dry cargo ( up to 10 million tonnes per year)

·         Import and export logistics park

·         150 acre  general cargo warehouse

Krusel  says the  Port is extremely proud of the agreements it has reached with First Nations in  the  area of the Port.  “At the Port respect is a very  important word,  respect for our partners, respect for safety, respect for the environment  and respect for our neighbours and First Nations.”