Port of Vancouver operations update

To Port of Vancouver’s valued customers and stakeholders,

On July 11, 2021 rail services resumed on the CP rail line that was affected by the B.C. interior wildfires. Under a co-production arrangement, both CP and CN trains are now moving on the opened rail line through the impacted area. The CN rail line routed through the same impacted area is not yet operational as it is undergoing maintenance and repair work. CN continues to divert traffic where possible and work with both CP and the BNSF on alternative routings for trains.

The Ministerial Order issued on July 11, 2021 to enact precautionary safety measures to further protect against wildfires during extreme weather conditions will remain in effect until October 31, 2021. The Order places operational restrictions on CN and CP rail lines routing between Kamloops and Boston Bar (Ashcroft Subdivision) and Kamloops and North Bend (Thompson Subdivision) when the fire hazard rating is listed as “extreme”. Restrictions include reduced speed limits and fire mitigation measures. The Order also notes required risk mitigation action by all Class 1 railroads throughout Canada when the air temperature is 30° C or above and the fire hazard level is listed as “extreme”.

A copy of the July 11, 2021 Ministerial Order can be found here:  Ministerial Order – July 11, 2021

Anchorage demand continues to be high and nearing full capacity. Demand for large vessel anchorages presently exceeds supply. Anchorages are assigned in a manner that ensures fluidity across all ship types and maintains essential services. Vessels in port can be viewed on the home page of the PortVan eHub app by selecting “Vessels in Port”.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated on any new developments as information becomes available.

Real-time insights into Port of Vancouver operations can be accessed through the PortVan eHub app. The PortVan eHub app can be downloaded at https://www.portvancouver.com/port-dashboard/ehub-app or through the App Store (search for PortVan eHub or Port of Vancouver). Additionally, daily updates on import rail performance and weekly updates on truck terminal turn time performance are available through the Port’s website at https://www.portvancouver.com/port-dashboard/.

Please feel free to forward this update within your organization.

Thank you for your continued support of the Port of Vancouver.