| Vancouver port congestion update |
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(Vancouver, February 21, 2007)… Rail congestion at Vancouver terminals, due to a shortage of rail cars, is reaching the crisis level. High import cargo volume levels, severe weather in Western Canada and the recent CN strike have left terminal operators struggling to keep terminal operations fluid.
The Port of Vancouver estimates cargo volumes are down by 50 per cent. Since the CN strike began, an estimated $730 million in cargo has been held up and the situation is deteriorating.
Vanterm has now advised its local clientele that all export cargo arriving by truck, for vessels scheduled to depart this week, will be refused. In doing so, the terminal expects to accommodate an additional 30,000 feet of rail cars, for import rail traffic.
Unless the rail car supply increases rapidly, which is not expected, Vanterm will have to commence idling vessels by the end of this week.
We will continue to monitor this situation and advise accordingly. For more information, please call (905) 882-4880 David Lychek, Manager – Ocean Services.
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