Top 14 of 2014: Port Metro Vancouver Continues Responsible Growth

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 29, 2014) - 2014 was a busy year at Port Metro Vancouver, Canada's largest and most diverse port. In line with our mandate, we facilitate Canada's trade competiveness, with the input of users, local communities and First Nations while meeting the highest standards for safety and environmental protection.

While there were many, we are proud to share this list of our top-14 achievements this year:

Facilitating trade

Port Metro Vancouver invests in supply-chain infrastructure improvements to ensure port reliability in anticipation of increased trade.

• 2014 is expected to be another record year of cargo volumes through the port. Watch for our year-end statistics release in early 2015.
• We completed nine infrastructure projects worth nearly $450 million, and announced a new truck licensing system, which is expected to stabilize port container trucking operations. Together, these accomplishments will help facilitate the efficient and reliable movement of goods through the gateway.
• Our Land Use Plan was updated to set out how we will manage the land in our jurisdiction over the next 15 to 20 years.
• We introduced new patrol vessels and other operations and security assets that will help maintain the safe, secure, efficient and reliable movement of marine traffic and cargo within our jurisdiction.
• Our 2014 Alaska cruise season ended in October with strong performance on par with the 2013 season. The 2014 season saw 812,095 passengers on 243 calls by 29 cruise ships, reflecting Vancouver's selection as Top Homeport in North America for 2013 by 2014 Trip Advisor's Editors Choice Awards. We also won two Cruise Insight Awards: "Most Efficient Terminal Operation" and "Best Turnaround Port Operations" for 2013.

Protecting the environment

Port Metro Vancouver strives to balance growth in trade with the need to protect and enhance our environment.

• We were recognized for sustainability performance by Corporate Knights, MarCom and Clean Tech50. From shore power and the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, to the container truck licensing system and EcoAction, we are establishing ourselves as a global leader in port sustainability. Our fourth annual Sustainability Report captures these, and other, key achievements.
• We launched the Non-Road Diesel Emissions Program, which will reduce diesel particulate matter emissions in cargo handling equipment. And, in collaboration with government agencies, First Nations, marine industry users, non-government organizations and scientific experts, we launched the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation program to better understand and manage the potential impacts to whales, porpoises and dolphins from commercial vessel activities throughout the southern coast of British Columbia.
• We conducted environmental reviews on more than 250 projects.
• We teamed up with Metro Vancouver to improve the monitoring of air quality on the Burrard Inlet. We have committed to fund the purchase and installation of several new air quality and meteorological monitoring sites, to supplement existing monitoring stations operated by Metro Vancouver.
• We finalized a two-year consultation process on the Sustainable Gateway Definition and launched the refresh of the Port 2050 scenario-planning process.

Engaging community

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest gateway, but we are also your neighbour and we strive to be a good one. Our jurisdiction encompasses hundreds of kilometres of shoreline, bordering 16 municipalities and one treaty First Nation, and intersects the traditional territories of several other First Nations.

• We opened a community office in Delta, which gives local residents an additional opportunity to learn about Port Metro Vancouver and its activities in and around Delta.
• Port Metro Vancouver and port terminals joined forces to host the 15th annual Port Gala fundraiser. Three worthy community organizations have or will each receive $75,000: Mission Possible, Harvest Project, and Reach Child and Youth Development Society. In addition, we dedicate up to one per cent of our net income to initiatives that matter to local communities. In 2014, $515,000 was invested in the community.
• We launched PortTV, an online entertainment channel designed to engage and educate audiences, and showcase the important role the port plays across Canada.
• We participated in more than 500 community events this year, including several signature events at Canada Place like Canada Day at Canada Place and Christmas at Canada Place.

About Port Metro Vancouver:

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port and the fourth largest tonnage port in North America, responsible for Canada's trade with more than 160 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada's west coast, Port Metro Vancouver is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Port Metro Vancouver is committed to meaningful engagement with the communities in which it operates and the shared obligation to improve the quality of life for Canadians. Enabling the trade of approximately $184 billion in goods annually, the port generates an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada. As a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation established by the Government of Canada, Port Metro Vancouver operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act and is accountable to the elected federal Minister of Transport.