PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. — The Port of Prince Rupert says cargo shipments were down by one per cent last year from 2023, but volume was up at terminals that ship containers, liquefied petroleum gas and agricultural crops.
The authority says in a statement that 23.1 million tonnes of cargo moved through the port, with metallurgical coal exports falling by 29 per cent and thermal coal down by 22 per cent.
Cruise passenger volume was also down by 27 per cent, with 59,400 passengers transiting through the northern B.C. port in 2024, compared to 81,327 in 2023.
However, the port says its grain terminal saw a 26 per cent increase in crop exports, container shipments rose five per cent and 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas was shipped for a 15 per cent year-over-year increase.
The statement says that despite the slight decrease in annual volume, the port is improving its competitiveness by diversifying through the development of its new terminal and logistics capacity, allowing it to cushion against market fluctuations.
Port president Shaun Stevenson says a historic period of expansion is taking place with over $2.5 billion in capital investment in the port to enhance services, capacity, capabilities and to diversify markets to help it maintain its competitive edge.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2025.
The Canadian Press
