The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) will not be deepening the Fraser River to accommodate large vessels, it announced today (May 25) in a news release.
Commercial ships are increasing in size for both economic and environmental reasons, and the Fraser River’s ability to accommodate the height, depth and width of larger ships is limited. However, the VFPA said the river, along with marine terminal properties and port industrial lands, is sufficient to handle trade now and “for the foreseeable future.”
“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, VFPA vice-president of planning and operations.
The VFPA looked into the viability of dredging the river and concluded it would be extremely expensive and would require environmental study and consultation that could last for several years.
The port authority owns approximately 200 acres of undeveloped industrial land; the future of this land includes use by commercial operators for major terminals, warehousing and distribution.
The 36 kilometre deep-sea channel within the south arm of the Fraser River will remain as is and will continue to provide two-way traffic of vessels as long as they adhere to the size restrictions of the channel.
