Prince Rupert Releases Annual Stats

By 250 News

 The Port of Prince Rupert continues its impressive annual growth in shipment volumes, surpassing 10 million tonnes in 2007 for the first time in a decade. The 2007 total volume cargo of 10.6 million tonnes is a 36.8 per cent increase over 2006 and a 237 per cent jump over 2005.

Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) President & CEO Don Krusel says increasing global demand for industrial fuels including coal and petroleum coke, continued strong markets for agricultural products, start up of new lines of business including containers and wood pellets, and competitive advantages of shipping through Prince Rupert were all contributing factors to the Port's exceptional 2007 performance.

"While 2007 represents a significant milestone and turning point for the Port of Prince Rupert on a number of fronts, Ridley Terminals and Prince Rupert Grain continue to lead the way," notes Krusel. "Both terminals continue to elevate their performances and, combined with the opening of the Prince Rupert Container Terminal and start up of other operations such as wood pellets, have positioned us for strong growth in 2008 and beyond."

"Overall, the Prince Rupert Port Authority exceeded its throughput targets for 2007 while completing the ambitious container terminal project on time and on budget," says PRPA Board of Directors Chair Dale MacLean. "Our focus now is to achieve full utilization of the 500,000 TEU facility and complete the groundwork to begin the construction of Phase 2 of the Prince Rupert Container Terminal by early 2009."

Port of Prince Rupert highlights for 2007 include:

• Prince Rupert Container Terminal completed on schedule and on budget and began operations October 31, 2007. Performance in first two months met and exceeded customer expectations.
• Coal exports increased 89 per cent with continued growth projected for 2008 as new coal mines come on stream in northern BC.
• Start up of wood pellet shipment business at RTI to meet growing global demand for bio fuels to offset fossil fuel carbon emissions.
• Continued strong global demand for agrifoods maintained high capacity throughput at PRG.
• The cruise business achieved a 56% increase in passengers compared to 2006, including a record year with nearly 100,000 cruise ship passengers coming into Prince Rupert over the course of the six-month season.

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