Dubai-based DP World, a global trade enabler, has completed the Phase 2 North expansion project designed to increase container throughput at Prince Rupert's Fairview Container terminal in Vancouver BC, Canada.

DP World Group chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada, marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Prince Rupert, in the presence of First Nation representatives, along with senior government and state officials.

DP World acquired the Fairview Container Terminal in August 2015 with the Phase 2 North expansion project launched shortly thereafter. The terminal supports 800 direct jobs and the original capacity of 750,000 TEU has increased to an approximate 1.35 million TEU annually.

A second berth has been added with the extension of the existing berth by 440 metres to a total berth length of 800 meters. The total terminal footprint has also increased to 32 hectares (320,000 sq m) with the reclamation of 4.5 hectares (45,0000 sq m) of land.

The increased capacity will support importers and exporters who favour Fairview for its position as the most efficient and fastest route from Asia to North American markets.

"The expanded container terminal is an economic engine for the city of Prince Rupert and is directly responsible for hundreds of jobs with many others in the local community and beyond benefitting from its operations,” Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem added.

“We are delighted to mark this occasion today which marks our commitment to Canada and the local community. This is all part of our plans to provide capacity to meet Canada’s Pacific container terminal capacity requirements for decades to come in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner."

DP World Canada general manager, Maksim Mihic, said: "Prince Rupert’s success has been driven by its unparalleled geographical position on the Trans-Pacific trade route, high terminal productivity and consistent low dwell times that have been sustained alongside our significant growth in throughput over the past two years. Strong relationships with our partners ILWU, the Prince Rupert Port Authority and CN Rail have resulted in a reliable and competitive service for our customers."

As a modern, efficient intermodal terminal, Prince Rupert Fairview features three new Super-post Panamax cranes in addition to its existing fleet of four Super-post Panamax cranes and direct on-dock access to the CN Rail network.

The addition of 6,000 feet of on-dock rail and six rubber tired gantry cranes (RTGs) to the rail yard ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods. Together, the upgrades allow Prince Rupert to efficiently handle the largest vessels in the world with a carrying capacity of 20,000-plus TEUs.

DP World’s commitment to Canada will receive a further boost later this year with work to expand the company’s Centerm terminal in Vancouver due to start. – TradeArabia News Service