July 4, 2023 – Now entering the 4th day of the strike, Canaan Transport wanted to update its readers on the latest situation specifically at the Port of Vancouver. The port authority is taking proactive measures to manage vessel arrivals and anchorage assignments to maintain port fluidity, ensure the safe movement of vessels and manage anchorage capacity for terminals not affected by strike activity. The following operational procedures are in place during labour action:

  • Inner Harbour: Maximum stay of 48 hours will be strictly enforced, and assignment will be limited to bunkering, fumigation, staging area or emergency situations.
  • English Bay and Indian Arm: The maximum stay limit of 7 days will be lifted. All anchorages will be reserved to support operations at terminals not affected by strike activity, partly loaded vessels that are delayed due to labour action, and larger vessels that can only be accommodated in English Bay.
  • Southern Gulf Islands: These anchorages will be assigned per the interim protocol for waiting vessels; a balanced use of these anchorages across the South Coast BC region and commodity sectors will be ensured.

Vessels in port can be viewed on the home page of the PortVan eHub app by selecting “Vessels in Port” via the port authority’s mobile app.

Rail operations: CPKC trains to embargoed destinations continue to move west under permit.

CN: CN is reviewing capacity allocation (loads and empty) for its international services to the ports in British Columbia. Customers will be notified individually on the capacity that was provided and requirements to be removed or reduced.

CPKC: An embargo for shipments routing to the below locations is now in place. This embargo applies to all shipments originating in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico that are billed to the following:

  • Neptune Bulk Terminals Canada
  • Neptune Bulk Terminals Ltd
  • Neptune Terminals
  • Pacific Coast Terminals
  • West Coast Reduction
  • Global Agriculture
  • Columbia Containers
  • GCT Canada
  • WTC Group

The embargo is a temporary measure pending an agreement between the ILWU and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and can be rescinded at any time. During the embargo period, CPKC’s network will remain open to accept permits in order to accommodate rail traffic as capacity allows.

GCT Vanterm and Deltaport: Day shift (08:00-15:59) and afternoon shift (17:00-23:59) truck gates are closed today due to ongoing negotiations. Terminal gate efficiency fees (TGEF) for cancelled reservations on these and other shifts will be waived.