Port of Vancouver says there are no plans to deepen the Fraser River, to accommodate larger vessels, “within the foreseeable future,” following a recently-completed analysis of port development options.
The port said in a news release late last month that dredging to deeper depths “would be extremely costly” and require extensive environmental study and consultation.
“The river, as it is now and using existing terminals and port lands, can meet trade demand for decades to come,” stated the port.
The new assessment contrasts with past statements by local authorities and port officials, including in 2014 when Surrey Fraser Docks expressed interest in deepening the main channel from 11.5 metres to 13.5 metres in depth.
The port’s president and CEO, Robin Silvester, wrote to the Ministry of Transportation in April 2013 stating the current depth of the George Massey Tunnel limits the maximum channel depth of the river.
“The tunnel deters new investment to expand,” stated Silvester.
But with the new analysis, the port now states that even as commercial ships are increasing in size, “there are limitations to the Fraser River that restrict its ability to accommodate larger ships including height, depth and width restrictions.”
“We have determined that with more intensive use of the port’s existing terminals and further development of the port authority’s existing industrial lands along the water, the Fraser River will be well positioned to accommodate Canada’s growing trade without deepening the channel,” said Peter Xotta, vice president, planning and operations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Deeper dredging has been a controversial issue over the past five years. Environmental experts note it can imperil flood protection measures, such as dykes, and destroy freshwater access for farms. Critics of the planned George Massey Tunnel replacement bridge claim the port played a key role in deciding to remove the tunnel, in order to eventually dredge deeper.
The port stated on May 25 that regardless of dredging needs, or lack thereof, it is supportive of the bridge.
The port also released a backgrounder of its analysis in which it stated the port was consulted by the government on the crossing to ensure any structures do not impede current or future shipping.
But the port also reiterated that the new bridge, if built, will nevertheless limit the height of ships passing underneath and the width of the river naturally restricts the length of ships, as well.
Vessel numbers along the Fraser River are forecast to increase from about 620 in 2008 to about 750 by 2026, stated the port.
If all goes according to present plans, those increases will include new jet fuel, thermal coal and LNG shipments.
