Fraser River Port sees hefty cargo gains

Fraser River Port sees hefty cargo gains    Container traffic at Canada's second-largest port jumped 33 percent through the first half of 2005 compared to the same period a year ago, while overall cargo by tonnage increased 11 percent over 2004.
   International cargo exports remained steady overall at 1.5 million tons, similar to the same two quarters last year. Offsetting some declines, the largest increase in exports over the two quarters was lumber, which increased 72 percent. Imports increased by 9 percent over the same period, with growth led by lumber and steel. Automobile imports at the port rose by 7 percent, reaching a total of 239,994 vehicles through the first two quarters.
   Container traffic increased 33 percent against the first two quarters of 2004, reaching 194,354 TEUs. Import and export growth rates for container traffic were relatively equal over the period, with exports growing by 31 per cent, and imports growing 35 percent.
   On the domestic cargo front, combined inbound and outbound volumes grew to 16.26 million tons, a 12 percent increase over the previous year. Inbound paper volumes increased 78 percent, whereas inbound pulp volumes fell 56 percent. Outbound cargo growth was led by steel, which increased 49 percent.