zoomImage Courtesy: Port of Prince Rupert, Illustration of potential terminal site

The British Colombia’s Port of Prince Rupert has signed a feasibility assessment agreement with Seattle-based container terminal operator SSA Marine and its subsidiary Western Stevedoring to explore the viability of a breakbulk and bulk import/export terminal located on Kaien Island at the port.

The terminal project has been part of the port’s Gateway 2020. The south shore of Kaien Island has been identified as a suitable site for the 80-hectare terminal development, located adjacent to Canadian National Railway’s (CN) mainline, in the proximity of existing bulk terminals on Ridley Island, and providing marine access for ships calling on the port.

“Ongoing cargo diversification is one of the highest priorities for the Port of Prince Rupert, and the potential for the return of breakbulk and general cargoes capacity to the Port of Prince Rupert represents a clear response to growing market demand in Western Canada,” Don Krusel, President & CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert, said.

The conversion of Fairview Terminal, from the port’s original breakbulk facility to a container terminal in 2007, saw the loss of breakbulk and general cargoes capacity at the Port of Prince Rupert.

Establishing a new breakbulk and bulk terminal would restore capacity for handling the types of goods and modes of transport being requested by US, Canadian and regional shippers, the port authority said.

An environmental assessment of the site would be required if the feasibility assessment substantiates the terminal’s potential.