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Sustainability: Port Metro Vancouver

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Port Metro Vancouver Lists Its Top Achievements of 2014

2014 was a busy year at Port Metro Vancouver; the port’s list of "our top 14 achievements this year" includes:

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 cargo year. The most current data show cargo volume through October up 4.3 percent from a year ago to 117.7 million metric tons.

The port completed nine infrastructure projects worth nearly $450 million, and announced a new truck licensing system designed to stabilize port container trucking operations.

An updated Land Use Plan specifies how the port will manage the land under its jurisdiction during the next 15 to 20 years.

The port introduced new patrol vessels and other operations and security assets with the objective of maintaining the safe, secure, efficient and reliable movement of marine traffic and cargo.

Port Metro Vancouver’s 2014 Alaska season ended on a strong note with 812,095 passengers on 243 calls by 29 cruise ships – about the same as 2013. The port was named Top Homeport in North America for 2013 by 2014 Trip Advisor’s Editors Choice Awards. It also won two Cruise Insight Awards: "Most Efficient Terminal Operation" and "Best Turnaround Port Operations" for 2013.

Protecting the environment

Port Metro Vancouver was recognized for sustainability performance by Corporate Knights, MarCom and Clean Tech50. 

The port launched the Non-Road Diesel Emissions Program, which will reduce diesel particulate matter emissions in cargo handling equipment. In collaboration with government agencies, First Nations, marine industry users, non-government organizations and scientific experts, it 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.

The port conducted environmental reviews on more than 250 projects.

The port teamed up with Metro Vancouver to improve the monitoring of air quality on the Burrard Inlet. The port has 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.

The port 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’s jurisdiction encompasses hundreds of miles of shoreline, bordering 16 municipalities and one treaty First Nation, and intersects the traditional territories of several other First Nations.

The port 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, the port dedicates up to one percent of its net income to initiatives that matter to local communities. In 2014, $515,000 was invested in the community.

Port Metro Vancouver launched PortTV, an online entertainment channel designed to engage and educate audiences and to showcase the important role the port plays across Canada.

The port participated in more than 500 community events this year, including several events at Canada Place like Canada Day at Canada Place and Christmas at Canada Place.
 

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