Canada's largest and busiest port
Our Mandate
Port Metro Vancouver is responsible for the operation and development of the assets and jurisdictions of the combined former Fraser River Port Authority, North Fraser Port Authority and Vancouver Port Authority.
Our Location
Positioned on the southwest coast of British Columbia in Canada, Port Metro Vancouver is North America’s gateway to the world’s most dynamic economies. Port jurisdiction covers nearly 600 kilometres of shoreline and extends from Point Roberts at the Canada/U.S. border through Burrard Inlet to Port Moody and Indian Arm, and from the mouth of the Fraser River, eastward to the Fraser Valley, north along the Pitt River to Pitt Lake, and includes the north and middle arms of the Fraser River.
Our Structure
On January 1, 2008, after nearly one hundred and fifty years of existing separately, the Fraser River Port Authority, North Fraser Port Authority and Vancouver Port Authority combined to become the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), now known as Port Metro Vancouver. For more information, please visit the Corporate section of our website.
Local Interests
Bordering on 16 municipalities, Port Metro Vancouver works with elected officials, city staff, residents and businesses to balance the needs of the shipping and tourism industries, and local communities. The Port is committed to sustainable operations and development, mindful of economic, social and environmental impacts.
Port Basics
As the fourth largest tonnage port in North America, we offer 28 major marine cargo terminals and three Class 1 railroads, providing a full range of facilities and services to the international shipping community.
Port Metro Vancouver's deep-sea terminals offer virtually no draft restrictions, Super Post-Panamax capacity and extensive on-dock rail facilities. The Port's freshwater facilities offer integrated services for the automobile and coastal forest industries, and for short-sea shipping. Port Metro Vancouver serves as homeport for the Vancouver-Alaska cruise industry.
Business Sectors
As the most diversified port in North America, Port Metro Vancouver operates across five business sectors: automobiles, breakbulk, bulk, container and cruise. The Port facilitates trade with more than 160 world economies, and handles nearly 130 million tones of cargo each year. Almost 95 percent of the Port’s total volume serves Canadian import and export markets.
Environment
The Port's environmental programs include environmental management of all port operations and mitigation of environmental impacts related to development and expansion proposals.
Sustainability
Port Metro Vancouver is committed to the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers through the port while integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. By strengthening our partnerships and encouraging innovation, we can improve the port's performance in a sustainable way.