Infrastructure upgrade removes critical marine access bottleneck, strengthening trade efficiency and Canada’s export supply chains

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DP World has completed a strategic infrastructure upgrade at its Fraser Surrey terminal, removing a longstanding marine access bottleneck and unlocking up to 2 million metric tonnes of additional export capacity annually. The approximately CAD$9 million project, including CAD$2 million in funding from the Government of Canada, enhances trade efficiency, safety, and operational performance at a key Canadian trade gateway.

The increased capacity is estimated to support approximately 100,000 additional labour hours annually — equivalent to around 50 full-time jobs — while enabling more efficient use of existing infrastructure.

The project, in collaboration with Transport Canada and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, involved the removal of a legacy in-river training wall that had restricted vessel access and constrained terminal operations since 1967. Its removal significantly improves cargo throughput, particularly for bulk exports such as grain, and breakbulk cargo including steel and project cargo critical to Western Canada’s infrastructure and resource sectors.

By eliminating this bottleneck, the terminal can now accommodate more efficient vessel movements, reduce operational delays, and improve berth utilization – strengthening Canada’s ability to move goods to global markets.

The project included the removal of approximately 1,400 in-river piles and associated marine infrastructure, improving vessel maneuverability and reducing the need for complex navigation. All work was completed in accordance with applicable environmental requirements and regulatory oversight.

By increasing export capacity without building new terminal infrastructure, the project demonstrates how targeted upgrades can unlock significant trade growth within existing port assets.

A Model for Industry-Government Collaboration

The project highlights the value of coordinated action between industry and government to remove barriers to trade and unlock capacity within existing infrastructure.

DP World worked in close partnership with Transport Canada and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, with collaboration across agencies helping to streamline approvals and support timely delivery while maintaining environmental and community standards. This approach demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investments can be advanced efficiently to support Canada’s trade growth.

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, The Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, said: “Strategic investments in trade infrastructure and corridors are essential to Canada’s economic growth and long-term competitiveness. By fostering partnerships to remove barriers and strengthen Canada’s supply chain, these initiatives improve the movement of goods through our ports, and support Canadian exporters in getting their products to markets around the world more efficiently. By working in partnership with industry and port authorities, we are helping build a more resilient and reliable transportation network for Canadians.”