Port Metro Vancouver increases cargo throughput

The Canadian port reported 8 percent year-over-year growth in container volumes during the first half of 2015.    Port Metro Vancouver, on the southwest coast of British Columbia, reported 70.3 million metric tons of cargo were transported through the port during the first half of 2015, an increase of 1.5 percent from the same period last year.
   In terms of TEUs, container trade at the port posted a year-over-year increase of 8 percent for the first half of 2015. The port said the significant increase was likely a result of congestion issued caused by labor unrest at U.S. West Coast ports earlier in the year, which resulted in cargo diversions to Vancouver. In addition, the port attributed the deflated results last year to a 28-day trucking dispute in Vancouver that occurred in March 2014.
   Automobile volumes increased 7 percent for the first half of 2015 from the same period last year, which resulted from a general increase in Canadian automobile sales.
   Breakbulk, which stood at 8.38 million tons for the first half of the year, was up 2 percent from the first half of 2014, primarily from an increase in wood pulp and log transport.
   Dry bulk reported a year-over-year increase of 1 percent, as increases in wheat, sulfur and potash transport were offset by the decreases in thermal coal and canola transport.
   Liquid bulk posted a 6 percent drop to 4.64 million tons, primarily from a decline in petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oil.
   Port Metro Vancouver, which facilitates trade with over 160 world economies, is home to 27 major marine cargo terminals and three Class 1 railroads.