Port of Vancouver operations update

July 19, 2023

To Port of Vancouver’s valued customers and stakeholders:

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada served a 72-hour strike notice to the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) today, July 19. The notice enables legal strike action to commence effective 0900 PST, Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued Order No.: 1460-NB, which determined that 72-hour strike notice was required for strike activity to recommence. The CIRB declared that an unlawful strike occurred on July 18. ILWU labour is expected to return to work effective 1630 PST, July 19.

Auto sector:

Impacted by labour action.

Bulk sector:

Impacted by labour action with the exception of grain and some coal and petroleum shipments.

Container sector:

Impacted by labour action. As of July 19, seven container vessels are at berth, one is at anchor, and 11 are awaiting entry into the port’s jurisdiction. For the Container Vessel Line-Up Report that includes vessels at anchor and dwelling outside of port authority jurisdiction, please visit our port dashboard here.

Cruise sector:

Cruise vessels continue to be serviced.

Grain sector:

Grain vessels continue to be serviced.

Marine operations:  The port authority continues to manage vessel arrivals and anchorage assignments to maintain port fluidity, ensure the safe movement of vessels and manage anchorage capacity for terminals not affected by strike activity.

Port of Vancouver anchorage occupation (July 19, 2023 – 0600 am PST):

  • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (English Bay, inner habour, Indian Arm):  52%
  • Southern Gulf Islands:  47%

Vessels in port can be viewed on the home page of the PortVan eHub app by selecting “Vessels in Port” via the port authority’s mobile app. Download from the port authority’s website (eHub) or through the App Store (search for “PortVan eHub” or “Port of Vancouver”).

Rail operations:  CN has restored embargoes for shipments moving towards British Columbia and has resumed staging bulk carload trains at origin. CPKC has placed embargoes for shipments destined to specific port terminals. Please contact your railway directly for specific details regarding embargoed cargo, empties and destinations.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of new developments as they arise.

Resources:

  • Information Bulletins: Operations Updates
  • Port import rail on-dock footage summary: Import Rail On-dock Footage (updated daily Monday-Friday)
  • PortVan eHub app: access real-time insights into Port of Vancouver operations via the port authority’s mobile app eHub.  Download from the port authority’s website (eHub) or through the App Store (search for “PortVan eHub” or “Port of Vancouver”)
  • Port dashboard: view updates on import rail performance, truck terminal turn times, gateway vessel on-time performance, and container vessels at anchor/berth through the port authority’s website (Performance Metrics).