VANCOUVER The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) and terminal operators are extending hours of operations at container terminals and off-dock facilities in the Port of Vancouver by an additional 20 per cent. The ports three container terminals and five key independent off-dock facilities will add a Tuesday evening gate in a pilot program beginning July 4, 2006. In addition to Tuesday evenings, port terminals currently operate extended gates at least one other evening each week.

The Extended Gates Program is intended to increase container truck gate operations at Vanterm, Centerm and Deltaport by an average of 20 per cent, per year, over the next five years. Today's announcement represents a 40 to 60 per cent increase in gate hours for 2006.

"Extending gate hours increases capacity, helps to alleviate congestion at the terminals and speeds up transaction times. Extended hours of operations also make more efficient use of the region's road networks by spreading truck traffic over a longer period, reducing congestion during traditional peak times and reducing emissions," said Captain Chris Badger, the VPA's Vice President, Customer Development and Operations.

The Extended Gates Program is one example of a broader initiative to increase hours of operation throughout the lower mainland ports and off-site terminals. Extended gates and other supply chain initiatives continue to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of container movements within the region.

"For this initiative to be successful the port will have to work closely with all stakeholders including the shipping community, labour organizations, local municipalities and the provincial government," said Badger.

The five off-dock facilities participating in the Extended Gates Program include Bridge Terminal Transport (BTT), Coast 2000 Terminals, Canadian Intermodal Services (CIS), Delta Container (Delco) and Marco Marine Container (Marco). The VPA welcomes the addition of these off-dock facilities to the Extended Gates Program, which offers shippers improved access and better use of off-peak hours.

Rick Bryant, President of the Chamber of Shipping, confirmed his organization's support to work with the VPA and terminal operators to make more efficient use of the Gateway. "There are a wide-range of stakeholders and interests involved in container operations at the Port of Vancouver. The Chamber is prepared to play a role in coordinating the shipping industry's efforts to make this program a success," said Bryant.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading more than $43 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs in total with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output.

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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(778) 231-6978 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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