Prince Rupert, an Alternatives to Deltaport


Why is Prince Rupert a better alternative than Deltaport?

The first phase of the brand new Prince Rupert Fairview container Port will open in October 2007 - well before Deltaport 3rd Berth. Planning and engineering for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 have been completed through the development planning process to ensure the project planning integrates this eventual expansion. Work is expected to commence on Phase 2 shortly after the completion of Phase 1, and construction of the expanded terminal would be complete for 2010 - giving a port capacity of 2 million TEUs. Further expansion is also being contemplated so that Prince Rupert would be capable of handling 4.5 million TEUs.

With that kind of capacity coming on stream, Canada's west coast will never be short of container port capacity - even if Deltaport stays at its current size.


Why is Prince Rupert a more logical place for a container port than Deltaport:

• It is two sailing days (one inbound, one outbound) closer than Deltaport to the major exporting countries in the Asia/Pacific.
• It's a natural deep sea harbour that requires no dredging, unlike Deltaport.
• It's an easier shipping route - straight in via Hecate Straight - unlike Deltaport where the ships have to pass through the narrow Juan de Fuca straight and up through Orca Pass.
• There's much less of an environmental impact - unlike Deltaport that risks destroying the globally significant Roberts Bank ecosystem.
• Excellent transportation infrastructure - CN Rail link already in place - unlike Deltaport that requires billions of dollars to build the necessary road and rail network.
• 53 percent of the containers handled by Vancouver Port Authority are destined for Eastern Canada and the US. The rail route to these eastern markets from Prince Rupert is significantly shorter than Deltaport's.
• Less pollution from dirty, diesel burning trucks, unlike Deltaport.
• Less pollution - ship emissions will be lower because the route into port is significantly faster.
• The Prince Rupert community wants the container port - Delta residents are strongly opposed to Deltaport.

Make sense? Then tell the politicians.