Port of Prince Rupert looks into handling new types of cargo

The Canadian port said it is looking into creating a breakbulk and bulk import/export terminal on Kaien Island, following the loss of breakbulk and general cargo capacity in 2007 when it converted the Fairview Terminal into a container terminal.    The Port of Prince Rupert said Wednesday it has signed a feasibility assessment agreement with SSA Marine and its wholly-owned subsidiary Western Stevedoring to explore the viability of a breakbulk and bulk import/export terminal located on Kaien Island at the Port of Prince Rupert.
   Port of Prince Rupert President and CEO Don Krusel said, “Ongoing cargo diversification is one of the highest priorities for the Port of Prince Rupert.” Krusel explained how the potential return of breakbulk and general cargo capacity to the port represents a clear response to the growing market demand in Western Canada.
   “We are pleased to be working with SSA Marine and Western Stevedoring, accomplished transportation service providers whose extensive global operations make them an attractive partner,” Krusel said.
   The south shore of Kaien Island has been identified as a suitable site for the 80-hectare (198 acre) terminal development. The site is adjacent to CN’s mainline in the proximity of existing bulk terminals on Ridley Island, providing effective marine access for ships calling the port.
   The port noted how the conversion of the Fairview Terminal from a breakbulk facility to a container terminal in 2007 resulted in the loss of breakbulk and general cargo capacity.
   Establishing a new breakbulk and bulk terminal would restore capacity for handling the types of goods and modes of transport being requested by U.S., Canadian and regional shippers, the port said. Goods that could be handled at the terminal include forest products, steel, project cargo, bulk specialty agricultural products, bulk mineral concentrates and automobiles.
   The port said the feasibility assessment agreement provides SSA Marine and Western Stevedoring with the opportunity to further identify the viability of demand in the market.
   An environmental assessment of the site would be required if the feasibility assessment substantiates the terminal’s potential.
   Western Stevedoring, a diversified stevedoring, terminal and logistics company with operations throughout British Columbia since 1948, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seattle-based Carrix/SSA Marine.
   Carrix/SSA Marine is the world’s largest privately held marine and rail terminal operator with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Panama, Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, South Africa and Vietna.