The Government of Canada has finally approved the Roberts Bank 2 project, following an in-depth and rigorous environmental assessment process that started in 2013.
As a result, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) will be able to develop a new three-berth container terminal delivering 2.4 million TEU of additional, annual container capacity.
According to a statement from VFPA, this project will bring substantial economic benefits, including more than 18,000 jobs during construction, more than 17,300 subsequent, ongoing jobs, an estimated US$2.2 billion in GDP annually once built, and around US$465 million in tax revenues related to support services.
Judy Rogers, Chair, VFPA Board explains the focus for the project: “Roberts Bank Terminal 2 has been designed in a way that ensures it aligns with our work toward our vision to make the Port of Vancouver the world’s most sustainable port, including protecting and enhancing the natural environment and reflecting Indigenous priorities.”
The new marine terminal will be located in subtidal waters to minimize environmental effects and will be built in accordance with the port authority’s commitment to supporting local communities. The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 community investment programme will provide $6 million to Delta organisations and students as part of the project process.
Adding around 30 per cent more capacity will be welcomed by port users. Dean Davison,
Head of Maritime Advisory, Infrata, confirms that the new capacity is definitely needed. “Container volume demand through Vancouver, and the Pacific Gateway, continues to warrant the additional capacity, with existing terminals expecting to be fully utilised before the end of the current decade, even allowing for recent investment by DP World at its terminals in the port.”
The implications of this development are considered further in the Pacific North West feature in this issue.
