The fate for another major shipment terminal on Ridley Island could be known by 2021, as VOPAK Pacific Canada continues on with its exploration of Prince Rupert as the location for the latest of its global bulk fuels terminals.
While VOPAK Pacific Canada hasn't said much of late on the proposed development, it did make for one of a number of project updates delivered at last weeks Port of Prince Rupert Annual Public Meeting.
During the Wednesday session, Brian Friesen the Vice President of Trade Development and Communications provided a short thumbnail sketch of the progress of the VOPAK proposal, noting that the Dutch based industrial giant had commenced with its environmental review process in 2019
The terminal would ship Liquid Bulk cargoes such as Liquid Petroleum Gas like propane, methanol and value added refined fuels.
In the presentation, Mr. Friesen noted how the VOPAK plan fits well with Port ambitions for global export trade.
"VOPAK Pacific Canada is well aligned with the Port's development strategy, the addition of liquid bulk cargoes diversifies and grows Prince Rupert's cargo mix and the associated gateway industry in Northern BC"
The Port VP also highlighted how the the project will mesh in with the infrastructure in place on Ridley and the Port's desire for diversification for the Prince Rupert gateway.
"The proposed project makes use of existing infrastructure including the Ridley Island, Road, Rail Utility Corridor and its open access nature maximizes the density and volume of cargo throughput over a minimal terminal footprint. VOPAK is currently undergoing an Environmental Assessment and is working on a Facility design incorporating feedback received through the process"
The Port presentation on VOPAK can be viewed from the Video replay of last week's APM, it starts at the 42 minute mark.
The VOPAK Pacific Canada website has more background on the company's plans for the North Coast.
Should the project gain final approval, it would create up to 300 jobs during the two year construction period as well as to provide for up to 50 permanent jobs for operation of the terminal.
VOPAK has also noted how the terminal would provide for skills training and employment opportunities with a focus on First Nations of the region.
The Environmental Assessment Process can be reviewed here.
More notes on VOPAK's proposed development can be found from our archive page.
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