Port of Prince Rupert Does Booming Business

Thursday, February 08, 2007 07:59 AM

The Port of Prince Rupert experienced its best year since 2000, handling a 75-percent increase in the metric tonnage of commodities last year over 2005.

The surge occurred despite the closure of the port’s Fairview break-bulk terminal for conversion to a container port.

Prince Rupert Port Authority President and CEO, Don Krusel, says the substantial increase in tonnage in 2006 is a direct result of Prince Rupert Grain and Ridley Terminals capitalizing on improved market conditions and competitive freight rates to aggressively pursue new business, while handling more products for current customers.

Port of Prince Rupert highlights include:

a 268-percent increase in coal exports with continued growth projected in 2007
a 197-percent increase in grain exports, 110-percent increase in canola exports, and 61-percent increase in wheat exports
a 28-percent increase in petroleum coke exports from the Alberta oil sands

The Chair of the Port Authority’s Board of Directors, Dale MacLean, says, "2006 was a turning point for the Port of Prince Rupert in its aggressive transformation from a regional port to become a competitive participant in the global economy."

MacLean says, "We’re looking forward to working with our Port partners and stakeholders along the Northwest Transportation Corridor to capitalize on the enormous opportunities presented by Asia to our collective benefit."

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In Prince George, the local Chamber of Commerce made mention of the port in its presentation to city council’s budget deliberations. President Michael Kerr pointed to increasing traffic at the port as a reason to stick to the rate of inflation for this year’s tax hike. "(With) materials and goods flowing through, we are open to global competition and, therefore, we need to be cognizant and supportive of our business communities as they have to compete with lower labour rates in places such as China."

Kerr acknowledged, "The flip-side is, we have additional markets."

"How that will play out, we don’t know yet, but I’m just bringing that forward as we (the city) need to be very cautious of that as we do our deliberations."

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Posted on Thursday, February 08, 2007 07:59 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: DPJ on February 8 2007 12:58 PM

Congratulations to the Port of Prince Rupert for their turn around. Prince Rupert definetely needed this good economic news.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 8 2007 5:37 PM

I too congratulate Prince Rupert but I wonder if anyone knows how many actual jobs this has created? As a recent ex-Rupertite,I know first hand how badly jobs are needed.Anyone?

Posted by: Palopu on February 8 2007 8:49 PM

Andyfreeze . Tonnage through the Port of Prince Rupert surged in 2006 to 7.7 Million metric tonnes of commodities, its the highest level in 6 years. Although tonnage surged in 2006 its still down from the volumes in the 80's of about 10 million tonnes per year, and a high of 14 million in 1994. I suspect the surge in 2006 would be handled without a big increase in jobs.

The jobs in Prince Rupert in the near future will be created by the new Container terminal. Once it is up and running it should create something like 300 jobs. 32 of these will be Canada Customs personel. If they go to phase 2 then of course they will create more jobs.

The increase in the grain tonnage through Prince Rupert is a result of the freight rate being lowered by 3 cents per 100 weight which allows shppers to avoid congestion in Vancouver and save a little money on freight costs. The coal surge is because of China demand and new (small) coal mines opening up in the Tumbler Ridge area and shipping to Prince Rupert.

Things look good for Prince Rupert at the moment, and there are still rumours that the pulp mill may get running again. Who knows.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 9 2007 10:09 AM

Thanks Palopu! I had seen these statsics before and was hoping we had some new numbers.Hopefully it will all come together as planned.As far as the pulp mill is concerned,spoke with a buddy last weekend who was involved in some of the clean-up work at the mill site.As much as he would like to see the mill run again,he is not hoping for much inspite of what has been announced.The last start-up date he had was late April sometime,but he figures July if at all because of the work that still needs to be done.All speculation at best but my fingers are crossed!