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Port Traffic Trends: Oakland, Prince Rupert, Saint John

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Oakland Containers Set Record in 2014

Container volumes at the Port of Oakland reached a record high in 2014 of 2,394,069 TEUs. That was up 2.0 percent from 2013 and beat the port’s previous record, 2,390,262 TEUs in 2006. A 20.6 percent surge in December loaded import containers contributed to the record performance.

"An unprecedented series of events has brought us to this point," said Port Maritime Director, John Driscoll. "It’s our job now to efficiently manage the growth."

The port said three factors contributed to the cargo surge: stronger U.S. demand for Asian manufactured goods, the port’s own marketing efforts, and cargo diversions from congested ports elsewhere.

In detail, the 2014 TEU data show inbound loads up 5.3 percent, outbound loads down 4.5 percent, and empty containers up 20.1 percent. Click here for details

Prince Rupert: Container, Grain Wood Pellet Volumes Set Records, Coal and Cargo Tonnage Overall Decline in 2014

Record cargo levels were achieved in 2014 by more than half of Prince Rupert’s marine cargo terminals, according to year-end statistics released last week by the Prince Rupert Port Authority. However, tonnage port wide declined, as decreases in coal and log exports offset an upsurge in container, grain and biofuel shipments.
 
"The record-breaking performance of specific terminals demonstrates the value of building a diversified port complex," said Port Authority CEO Don Krusel. "A strong year in some sectors offsets challenges faced by others. This underlines the port’s overall resilience, and its ability to sustain benefits to our community despite market fluctuations."

Box throughput at Fairview Container Terminal totaled 618,167 TEUs, a 15.3 percent increase from 2013. The terminal has experienced consistent year-over-year growth in volumes since it opened in 2007.

Prince Rupert Grain experienced a 25 percent increase in exports of Canadian agriculture products, with particularly significant growth for both canola and wheat volumes. The 2014 total of nearly 6.5 million metric tons was the most handled since the terminal opened in 1984.

Westview Wood Pellet Terminal completed its first full year of operation in 2014, loading more than a half million tons of bio fuel bound for markets in Asia and Europe. The pellets are manufactured from waste wood products at mills across British Colombia and are shipped by rail to Prince Rupert for export.

"The enviable global reputation of all Prince Rupert’s terminals is owed to their hard-working men and women," said Mr. Krusel. "Their commitment to safety, efficiency and reliability is the foundation of our ability to handle unprecedented cargo volumes – with more to come in the year ahead."

Click here for detailed summary of 2014 port activity.

Port Saint John Containers, Dry Bulk Soar in 2014

Over the past two years, Port Saint John has experienced significant increases in cargo handled at its facilities, with double-digits gains for containers and dry bulk, as noted in the attachment.
 
"Under the direction of our Board of Directors, and together with our stakeholder community, we started down a path of growth with determination and a clear focus back in 2010," noted Port President Jim Quinn. "Since 2012 this hard work has been rewarded by tremendous increases in cargo volumes in dry bulk commodities and containers. The activity at our port is an important contributor to local economies across our province. Products from all corners of the Province are shipped to the Port using New Brunswick truckers, rail and roads. The port opens the global marketing place to New Brunswick producers."

These specific sector increases have contributed to a year-over-year increase of 14 percent in cargoes handled at Port Saint John facilities, from 1.73 million in 2013 to 1.97 million metric tons in 2014.
 

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