Introduction.

2020 will be remembered as a year of unprecedented uncertainty and challenge to the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), its staff and stakeholders, the transportation sector and supply chains, and the world at large.  Despite the impacts of COVID-19, year-end results illustrate the Port of Prince Rupert’s resiliency, reliability, and competitiveness as a global trade gateway. The Port set another record for annual cargo volumes with 32.4 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2020, nine percent more than in 2019.

Essential port operations also provided important economic stability for the region through the year while ensuring essential goods made it to market and supply chains through the gateway continued, unimpeded.

The obstacles presented by the pandemic have not hindered progress on several key projects aimed at sustainably growing and diversifying the Port complex. Construction crews are nearing completion of the Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor, a 5-kilometre private haul road that will reroute container trucks away from city streets and significantly reduce truck emissions; DP World gained regulatory approval for the southern expansion of Fairview Container Terminal that will support a future capacity of 1.8 million TEUs; Vopak Canada significantly advanced its proposed new liquid bulk storage and export facility on Ridley Island, setting expectations for a final investment decision in late 2021; and the environmental assessment process began for the proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform, a project that will support large-scale transloading, maximizing value to Canadian exporters.

PRPA continues to advance the development of critical infrastructure and expansion projects that support the resilience of the gateway operations, and the growth and diversification of cargo handling capabilities and capacities at the Port of Prince Rupert. By expanding trade enabling infrastructure, we will not only support our local economy, but will be poised to offer Canadian industries a competitive edge as the global economy rebounds from the effects of the pandemic.

Our partners, employees, and stakeholders all want to know we can deliver critical services and economic benefits, while maintaining environmental and social balance. Striking that balance is a critical priority for the board and management. We are confident that PRPA, and its successful track record of building a better Canada by growing global trade, will continue to be Canada’s leading edge. 

As always, we would also like to thank PRPA’s team of dedicated staff, the people behind our thoughtful innovation and track record of success.

Vigorous Trade.
Thriving Communities.
Sustainable Development.

2020 will be remembered as a year of unprecedented uncertainty and challenge to the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), its staff and stakeholders, the transportation sector and global supply chains, and the world at large. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, year-end results illustrate the Port of Prince Rupert’s resiliency, reliability, and competitiveness as a global trade gateway. We are confident that PRPA, and its successful track record of building a better Canada by growing global trade, will continue to be Canada’s leading edge.

The Prince Rupert Advantage

Prince Rupert has a magnified impact on global trade for a community of 12,000 people. The reasons for this start with the geography of our harbour and its natural advantages. When connecting North America to the Asia Pacific, no other port can match Prince Rupert.

Perfect position

Prince Rupert is 1-2 days closer to Asia than any other West Coast port. That means less fuel, less risk, and more reliable performance

Direct Access

Following a shorter transit across the Pacific Ocean, commercial vessels and their cargoes enjoy safe, efficient access to Prince Rupert's world-class terminals.

Room to Grow

Prince Rupert is home to the deepest natural harbour in North America and is among the deepest in the world. It remains ice-free year-round. Combined with direct access to trans-Pacific shipping lanes, we have room to safely manage growth.

Efficient Reach

CN's rail network offers premium reach into North America’s resource economies and consumer markets, while on the flattest available grade through the Rockies.

Building on those advantages, the Port of Prince Rupert and its partners have created a track record of excellence in Trade, Community Impact, Safety, and Sustainability.

• Year in Numbers
• Performance
• 2020 Major Projects

9%

9% growth in port-wide volume to a record 32.45 million tonnes

-6%

6% decline in container volume handled

26%

26% growth in total volume handled at Ridley Terminals Inc.

3%

3% growth in bulk grain export volume

33%

33% growth in wood pellets export volume

1,159,207 tonnes

+ 1,159,207 tonnes in new LPG propane volumes at RIPET

Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor Construction Continued

Construction crews are nearing completion of the Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor, a 5-kilometre private haul road that will reroute container trucks away from city streets and significantly reduce truck emissions. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, crews from the Coast Tsimshian Northern Contractors Alliance, a local First Nations joint venture, have safely worked 24-hours a day on rotating shifts to build this critical piece of infrastructure. The project is expected to be significantly completed by Q3 2021, paved in Q2 2022, and activated upon relocation of truck gate as part of Fairview Terminal’s southern expansion.

Regulatory approval for DPW southern expansion of Fairview Container Terminal

DP World gained regulatory approval to move forward with the southern expansion of Fairview Container Terminal that will support a future capacity of 1.8 million TEUs by 2023. To expand intermodal capacity at the Port of Prince Rupert to meet growing global demand for intermodal supply chains, the project will balance and purify the footprint of the Terminal’s intermodal operations though expansion of the container yard, relocation of the CN mainline and its access points to divert truck traffic conflicts for the rail-focused Terminal, and realization of the advantages of connectivity to the Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor.

Environmental Assessment Process Undertaken for Proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform

The environmental assessment process began for the proposed Ridley Island Export Logistics Platform, a project that will support large-scale export transloading, maximizing value to Canadian exporters and support the growth of the intermodal business in the Port of Prince Rupert. Located on the southern end of Ridley Island, the RIELP is designed to host integrated large-scale bulk transload facilities, integrated large-scale breakbulk facilities and an integrated off-dock container yard. Collectively, the platform is designed to support at least 400,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of export transload capacity annually. To learn more, visit https://www.rupertport.com/logistics-platform/.

Construction Continued for Pembina’s Prince Rupert Propane Marine Export Terminal

Construction of the new propane marine export facility by Pembina neared completion by the end of 2020. Located on Watson Island, the Prince Rupert Terminal will have a licensed capacity of 25,000 barrels per day. The facility is best viewed as a small-scale rail terminal, moving LPG from rail cars to vessels destined for international markets. Although not located within PRPA’s jurisdictional boundaries, the new LPG terminal will generate additional rail and marine vessel traffic and PRPA has undertaken steps to ensure that the highest levels of navigational safety are in place to support operations.

Vopak Pacific Canada Proposed New Liquid Bulk Storage Facility

In 2020, the Vopak Pacific Canada project continued its federal and provincial environmental assessment processes. The proposed project would develop bulk liquid storage and marine export facilities on Ridley Island to move Canadian-made LPGs, methanol, and refined fuels in global demand as alternatives to current high-carbon energy sources.

Building Economic Prosperity

Natural attributes paired with industry-leading innovation and efficiency have translated into years of solid performance for Prince Rupert—and the promise for much more in the years to come.

• Economic Impact
• 2020 Trade Stories

$50 billion

$50 billion in trade moved through the port *based on 2018 data

$1.3 billion

$1.3 billion in economic activity generated in northern British Columbia

3,700 direct jobs

3,700 direct jobs in port-related businesses

$350 million

$350 million in direct wages

$142 million

$142 million in government revenues, including $12 million for local governments

Record Year for POPR Cargo Volumes Amid Pandemic

Despite unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, 32.4 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2020 – nine percent more than in 2019. This figure represents the Port’s highest total volume to date and was led predominantly by a rise in exports of coal, propane, and wood pellets.

First Full Year of Operation at AltaGas' Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal

AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal marked its first full year of operation in May 2020 and ended the year with 1,159,207 tonnes loaded onto 27 vessels bound for Asia. The Terminal is Canada’s first propane export facility; it offloads approximately 50 to 60 rail cars of liquid propane from BC and Alberta each day, transferring it to intermediate pressurized storage bullets and then cools it so that it can be stored and shipped at atmospheric pressure. For more information, visit https://www.rupertport.com/terminal_details/ridley-island-propane-export.

Resilience at Fairview amid COVID-impacted supply chain

Factory shutdowns in Asia and locked down economies in North America caused a 19 percent drop in container traffic in the second quarter. However, volumes rebounded and DP World’s Fairview Container Terminal finished a mere six percent down with 1,141,390 TEUs moving through the Port for the year. The total volume attributed mostly to a decline in the volume of empty containers being shipped through Prince Rupert back to Asia.

Ridley Terminals Inc. year-over-year increase due to coal and propane exports

Ridley Terminals Inc. (RTI) saw a year-over-year increase of 26 percent, driven by steady demand for thermal coal and the addition of propane volumes through AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal, an operation located within the Ridley Terminals Inc. complex. Cargo moving through RTI originates from Northeast BC and Alberta and is exported primarily to Japan, South Korea, and China.

Record Year for Wood Pellet Exports at Westview

Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s Westview Terminal had a record year, exporting 1,474,301 tonnes of wood pellets, an increase of 33 percent over 2019. The growth in wood pellet volume through Westview Terminal is attributed to strong demand for biofuel in traditional European markets and new Asian markets, and corresponding year-over-year increases in production in facilities across northern BC and Alberta.

Steep decline in passenger volumes in cruise and ferry traffic

While cargo volumes grew in 2020, passenger volumes dropped off significantly, with the cancellation of the summer cruise season and BC Ferries experiencing a steep decline in ridership. The Prince Rupert Port Authority continues to work closely with the cruise industry and local stakeholders to determine the best way to welcome back passengers when Transport Canada allows international travel and removes the no sail order, which restricts cruise vessels from calling on Canadian ports.

Operational Excellence

A coordinated effort between the Prince Rupert Port Authority and its many partners ensures management over every vessel, ensuring round-the-clock safeguards. The result has been the evolution of a global reputation for navigational safety. As the number of vessels calling on the Port continues to grow, maintaining that reputation continues to be a top priority.

• Year in Numbers
• 2020 Safety Stories

518 vessel calls

518 vessel calls, a decrease of 16 from 2019

1,488 vessel movements

1488 vessel movements by licensed BC Coast Pilots, up 77 from 2019

1,768.2 hours

1768.2 hours of coverage over 365 days by the port Harbour Patrol vessel

0 vessel incidents

0 vessel incidents causing injury, environmental pollution or cargo loss

Implementation of Navigational Risk Assessment Recommendations

PRPA places an emphasis on long term planning, integrating activities and proactively defining and reducing risk. PRPA completed a comprehensive Navigational Risk Assessment and implemented several of its recommendations in 2020. These included increased requirements for shackle deployment and heavy ballast conditions for vessels at anchor, as well as lower thresholds of anchorage advisories issued by the Coast Guard when inclement weather is predicted.

Investing in Safety and Security for a Growing Port

To lay groundwork for Port growth and expansion also means investing in safety and security infrastructure and human capital to meet the demands of our future Port. In 2020, PRPA added six new Gateway Operator positions to its Port Security team. These individuals have been trained to fully manage the Emergency Operations Centre and now their presence improves 24/7 Emergency Operation Centre preparedness should the need arise, paving the way for robust and strategic gateway security management.

Facilitating Safe Passage for Increased LPG Exports

2020 saw the addition of range markers (for laden outbound traffic) and Port-side marker buoys (for inbound vessels) to ensure navigational safety near Watson Island to facilitate the expected increase in LPG export traffic created by the new Pembina Prince Rupert LPG Terminal. Although the new LPG rail terminal operations are located outside of PRPA jurisdictional boundaries, PRPA understands the potential impacts of increased vessel traffic within the Port of Prince Rupert and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of navigational safety and trade security for all operators in the area.

Augmented Live Marine Data System

PRPA installed three new wind and wave sensors – one at Pembina’s new terminal on Watson Island, one in Porpoise Channel, and one at Fairview Terminal; two new tide sensors at Pembina and Fairview Terminals; and three new wind and wave installed in the Inner Harbour, Flora Bank, and Triple Island. This network of data collection infrastructure far exceeds navigational requirements and contributes to a vigorous live data reporting system for the Port of Prince Rupert that is available to all mariners and the public at www.rupertport.com/live-harbour-data.

Voluntary AIS Marine Program

PRPA has made a long term commitment to adding 15 Automatic Identification System (AIS) units per year to local vessels to encourage navigational safety and mitigate the risks of collisions. The PRPA program offers the units on a voluntary basis to locally registered vessels at no cost to participants and has gained enough popularity to warrant a waiting list. The more participants, the safer our waters will be given the AIS units’ ability to complement radar technology and easily inform vessel traffic services and emergency responders of a vessel’s identification, position, course, and speed.

Responsible Growth

One trade we'll never make: exchanging our future for short-term gain. Our current success is rooted in decades of ambitious yet practical planning and is reflected in the careful consideration we apply to every project and program we activate. The result is a growing gateway that supports an extensive workforce, abundant opportunities and a robust regime of environmental safeguards.

• Responsible Growth Numbers
• 2020 Sustainability Stories

3.6 kg/tonne*

3.6 kg/tonne GHG intensity at gateway boundary*

20% NOx*

20% decrease in NOx since 2010*

71% PM2.5*

71% decrease in PM2.5*

94 in SOx*

94% decrease in SOx intensities at port terminals since 2010*

1 exceedance

1 port-related dustfall exceedance

34% of vessels

34% of vessels meeting Green Wave standards

*Denotes most recent data available from 2019

Reaching GHG targets through planning

While the Port is already one of the top performers in this area, PRPA has set a goal to reduce the carbon intensity of the gateway by a further 30% by the year 2030, and a longer-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In Prince Rupert, this starts with smart gateway planning.  Investing in infrastructure that maximizes efficient vessel and rail traffic, and minimizes need for truck traffic, is our strategic advantage. The Fairview-Ridley Connector Road will reduce container truck GHG intensity by approximately 60% from the current route, while our new investments in shorepower for container vessels at berth is forecast to result in a reduction of 75% of emissions from that source.

Green Marine Certification

In 2020, Green Marine not only re-certified PRPA, but also determined that the organization is once again one of the highest environmental performers in North America, significantly exceeding jurisdictional regulations and further establishing its reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship. This year marks ten years of PRPA’s participation in Green Marine, a voluntary program aimed at advancing environmental excellence in the marine industry. The Port of Prince Rupert was the first West Coast port to join the Green Marine program, and has used the program as a benchmark to continually improve and measure its environmental performance.

Green Wave Program/Awards

In July 2020, five companies were recognized for outstanding participation in PRPA’s Green Wave environmental incentive program during 2019 operations – they were past recipients COSCO, Maersk, and BC Ferries, as well as two new recipients – Ocean Network Express and Pacific Basin. PRPA’s Green Wave program rewards shippers by offering discounted harbour fees to vessel owners who voluntarily invest in sustainable practices. By offering these financial incentives, PRPA directly encourages vessel owners to further embrace safer environmental practices and promote efficiency and sustainability around the world.

POPR Climate Risk Assessment through TARA

With support from Transport Canada’s Transportation Asset Risk Assessment (TARA) initiative, PRPA was the first port authority to develop a detailed digital model to forecast climate change scenarios and undertake a detailed audit of their risks to trade infrastructure and operations. Some of the potential climate effects included in the modelling exercise were changes to sea levels, changes to seasonal weather patterns, and more severe weather events throughout the year that could impact cargo handling and transportation. Results of the analysis will be shared with stakeholders and used to determine port development needs and emergency preparedness investments, among other things.

Invasive species program

Despite challenges around physical distancing, PRPA’s Environmental team continued to collaborate with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coast Mountain College’s Applied Coastal Ecology program, as well as local First Nations fisheries on the Aquatic Invasive Species Program. In 2020, they worked together to monitor marinas around Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Metlakatla, and Lax Kw’alaams. Samples were analyzed for invasive tunicate and bryozoan species, which could pose a threat to local marine life. A small population of invasive tunicates were detected at Fairview Marina in 2019 and 2020, which has prompted PRPA and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conduct a more significant monitoring program at that location in 2021, to determine the extent. For more information on what PRPA is doing to mitigate this risk, visit https://www.rupertport.com/aquatic-invasive-species/.

Commitment to Community

The success of our trade gateway results in continuous improvements to the health and cohesion of northwest British Columbia. We take pride in ensuring our operations reflect local values and that a significant portion of our resources are allocated back into our communities. To achieve this, we have created programs and initiatives that keep residents informed about port activities and provide funding and support to local organizations and projects that contribute to long-term community vitality.

• Year In Numbers
• Community Engagement
• Local Investments

$14.3 million

$14.3 million committed to the Community Investment Fund since its inception

$219,115

$219,115 invested into 4 completed CIF projects

$50,000

$50,000 invested in SkeenaWild Conservation Trust research through Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program

6,249 visitors

6,249 visitors to the Port Interpretive Centre

12,000 lbs

12,000 lbs of groceries and critical supplies delivered by PRPA’s Harbour Patrol Vessel Crew on behalf of Gitxaala Nation

244 families

244 local families supported through ‘Bags of Goodness’ campaign, a collaboration with School District 52 and Breakfast Club of Canada

$12,500

$12,500 to the United Way of Northern BC’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

Land Use Plan finalized

PRPA updated its Land Use Plan in 2020 to capture a dynamic decade of new investments, terminals, and infrastructure that have developed at the Port of Prince Rupert. This high-level strategic document reflects PRPA’s current vision of the growth potential for Canadian trade, and the progressive and innovative planning required to achieve it. Due to the pandemic, PRPA altered its typical approach to seeking feedback by producing a virtual open house, hosting online meetings and leveraging social media channels to gather feedback from First Nations, governments, and residents. The new Land Use Plan was finalized and adopted by PRPA’s Board of Directors in Fall 2020. The Land Use Plan contains provisions for revisions and will be formally reviewed again in 2025.

Partnering with SkeenaWild on Sockeye Research

Through the Skeena River Salmon Enhancement Program, PRPA partnered with SkeenaWild Conservation Trust to invest in research that will play an important role in the future recovery of wild salmon stocks in British Columbia. Findings from the Skeena Sockeye Century Project will help establish historic baselines for sockeye populations, allowing researchers to more accurately determine lake productivity. The information gathered will also assist in identifying which lakes are most vulnerable to climate change and should take priority in sockeye conservation planning.

10 Year Anniversary for the Community Investment Fund

2020 marked the tenth anniversary of completed projects through PRPA’s Community Investment Fund. To celebrate the milestone, PRPA produced a series of videos, revisiting ten of its most impactful projects. Ranging from the Rushbrook Trail revitalization to specialized diagnostic equipment at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, the legacy of the projects themselves illustrates the many ways the Fund has improved life for people across Northwest BC. The campaign culminated in the Project of the Decade Contest. Shames/My Mountain Co-op garnered the most online votes, winning $10,000 towards a future Community Investment Fund Project.

Virtual engagement

With in-person events on hold, PRPA pivoted to online platforms to engage with stakeholders and community members for much of 2020. The public comment period for the Environmental Effects Evaluation (EEE) for the Ridley Island Export Logistic Platform proceeded online, with a series of informative videos outlining the details of the EEE. It was promoted through PRPA’s social channels and in local media, and feedback was collected digitally. The Community Information Forum’s bi-monthly meetings also went virtual, with the group holding discussions and updates regarding Port-related activity on Microsoft Teams.

Special delivery for Gitxaala Nation

In April and May 2020, PRPA responded to an emergency request from Gitxaala Nation for assistance to deliver food and critical supplies to the village of Lach Klan, about 60 kilometres south of Prince Rupert. Gitxaala Nation members were facing challenges transporting goods into the community, which was forced to close to visitors because of the pandemic. Eager to help, PRPA crews loaded up the Harbour Patrol vessels, the AMWAAL and Charles Hays, with groceries and essential items, taking multiple runs on two separate days to safely deliver the essential cargo. To maintain social distancing and prevent potential spread of COVID-19, community members took care of unloading the vessels once they arrived in the village.

Supporting seafarers through a critical time

Seafarers play a critical role in serving the Port of Prince Rupert and are considered part of the Gateway community. Since the start of the pandemic, mariners around the world have faced unprecedented challenges, many of them unable to return to their homes. To help ease some of that burden, PRPA arranged a series of special summer barbeques, that allowed individual crews from vessels anchored in the harbour to safely come ashore for some food, games, and relaxation, while maintaining full isolation. In December 2020, the Marine Operations and Harbour Patrol teams brought some holiday cheer to crew aboard 13 vessels visiting the Port. On Christmas eve, PRPA staff set out on the AMWAAL to deliver special gift baskets full of treats, which were warmly received by the seafarers.

New laptops for Lax Kw’alaams students

In May 2020, Coast Tsimshian Academy (CTA) in Lax Kw’alaams received 100 new laptops to support online learning and help the school’s staff and 150 students stay connected. The computers, which were purchased through a partnership between PRPA’s Community Investment Fund and the Lax Kw’alaams Band, came at a critical time, as COVID-19 had forced the school to close its classrooms and pivot to distance education. PRPA committed $35,000 to the project, covering half of the cost of the laptops, which will continue to serve as essential learning tools well beyond the pandemic.

Supporting Food Security

When local schools were forced to shut down because of the pandemic, many students who take part in School District 52’s breakfast and lunch programs were put in vulnerable positions. To help fill this critical gap and ensure children continued to receive nutritious food, PRPA partnered with the Breakfast Club of Canada to help deliver ‘Bags of Goodness’. Volunteers set out, dropping off groceries and handing out gift cards, to help feed 224 families in the Prince Rupert area.

Better at Home Campaign

PRPA provided support to local seniors during the pandemic through the ‘Better at Home campaign’. Stuck at home and unable to rely on public transit because of health and safety concerns, 42 clients were provided with taxi vouchers, helping them get to important appointments. Over an eight-month period, 336 vouchers were used to help seniors safely get around.

Men’s Recovery Home renovations

Through its Community Investment Fund, PRPA committed $20,712 to extensive upgrades to the Trinity 333 Men’s Recovery Home, which supports men from across Northern BC, recovering from substance abuse and addiction. Thanks to this investment, the client intake process has been transformed, a greater number of men are able to receive treatment, and the property is more usable and accessible. As part of their recovery, the men at Trinity 333 volunteer in various ways throughout Prince Rupert, further supporting PRPA’s belief that together we can build stronger communities.

Racquet Centre modernization

The Prince Rupert Racquet Centre underwent a major renovation, making its squash courts more modern and accessible. Through the Community Investment Fund, PRPA contributed $21,749 to the project, which included removing the doors and rear walls of the two squash courts and replacing them with floor-to-ceiling safety glass. With a limited number of indoor recreational opportunities in the city, this investment supports efforts to engage more people in racquet sports to stay fit.

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Extending Golf Course’s lifespan

The Prince Rupert Golf Course will continue to serve as a city landmark for many years to come, thanks to a $142,000 commitment from PRPA’s Community Investment Fund. Through this multi-phased project, new drainage was installed in several areas and two greens that had settled over time were reconstructed. Bridges on three holes were replaced, along with a wooden staircase and golf cart pathway restoration – all of them well-weathered from many years of use and exposure. The Club also added features to enhance the safety and longevity of the property around the links, and a new storage shed has been added to protect important maintenance equipment from the rain and extend its lifespan.

Employing Fiscal Integrity

Sound financial management drives the responsible stewardship of our resources. PRPA’s financial performance is a critical factor that enables investment back into critical port infrastructure, expansion of our economic and employment base, and the community partners that make the north coast a better place.

Each year, the Prince Rupert Port Authority releases its financial statements. These figures detail our organization’s commitment to the sound and effective use of our assets, year after year.

• Year In Numbers
• Financials

$67,169,000

$67,169,000 Total Revenue

$37,675,000

$37,675,000 Total Expenses

$30,874,000

$30,874,000 Net Income

$385,153,000

$385,153,000 Total Assets

$85,317,000

$85,317,000 Capital Expenditures

$1.8 million

$1.8 million income re-invested into the Community Investment Fund

Vigorous Trade.
Thriving Communities.
Sustainable Growth.

The team at the Prince Rupert Port Authority continues to work to build a better Canada by growing trade. Thank you to our local communities, our shippers, supply chain partners, terminal operators, service contractors, and everyone else who made 2020 a success in each of those areas. A special thank you to the women and men at the terminals, on the water, and on the trains and trucks that are moving Canada’s trade through the Port of Prince Rupert. Together, we are Canada’s leading edge.

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