Coal Shipments Heat Up Port Use

By 250 News

Prince George B.C.- With  the demand for coal in China  high, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Shirley Bond says  the only thing holding back  B.C.’s export of the resource will be the ability of the ports to handle the capacity.

On a trade mission to Asia,   Minister Bond says contacts have made it clear they are interested in  long  term contracts “It is going to be an issue of managing our success.  If we can’t get the coal out efficiently and cost effectively they will look elsewhere.  Our challenge is going to be keeping up with the capacity.”

Both Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert have capacity to handle another 5 million tonnes of coal  each.  Both Ports are on their way to recording record  years for the amount of coal exported .  In Prince Rupert,  shipments are already  up 83% over last year.  Don Krusel of the Port of Prince Rupert says the Ridley Terminal is looking at significant expansion projects  to meet the demand.  In Vancouver, there are  expansion plans  in the works as well.

Attending the World China Shipping Summit, Bond says the B.C.  group as been very well received.

The  team will be meeting  tomorrow with  representatives from  China Southern  Airlines to examine opportunities for air cargo shipments.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us