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| A strong first four months for Trigon Pacific Terminals has helped offset some of the lost tonnage volumes from the DP World facility so far in 2023 |
The latest data release from the Prince Rupert Port Authority shows strong numbers for two major terminals on the waterfront, while the DP World Container Port is still seeing some global challenges and remains well back from its throughput of a year ago.
The April data from the PRPA shows a strong surge in Grain Shipments with Grain shipments out of the Port to April nearly double that of one year ago. With a significant jump for the Year to Date numbers as well.
While not quite double in throughput, Trigon Pacific Terminal has had a strong first four months, with the April to April comparisons showing an increase in 2023 of close to 221,000 tonnes from a year ago. While the Year to date results are even more impressive.
For those working at the DP World facility however, the first four months have continued to be slow, with the volume of shipments through the container facility down 490,000 tonnes from last year.
A volume which has seen those on the lower reaches of the ILWU boards finding fewer calls to work than they have had in past years.
Funny how the port seemingly gets a free pass with the excuse of “global supply chain disruption” for the decline when, among other things:
ReplyDeleteThe port is in active negotiations with the longshore union. What a great way to force urgency for a deal than reduce paycheques.
The port is actively lobbying the province to have the tax caps kept in place, despite none of the expert evidence supporting their claims. What better way to add leverage than reduce paycheques.
The port has eviserated their assessed values causing a massive property tax increase on everyone else. What better way to simmer the boiling anger than try to show we are all at their mercy.
Agreed!
Delete“ The port is actively lobbying the province to have the tax caps kept in place, despite none of the expert evidence supporting their claims.”
DeleteYou seem to be referring to “the port” as the PRPA and possibly one of the port operators. I don’t know that PRPA is actively in negotiations with the union or that DP World is lobbying the province. There needs to be a distinction.
Secondly, what expert evidence? The scrap the tax petitioners aren’t exactly “experts.”
The Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) recently resumed contract talks, the outcome of which will affect 29 West Coast ports.
DeleteAll west coast ports are down in volume year over year.
https://www.fitchratings.com/research/infrastructure-project-finance/west-coast-port-volumes-lowest-in-over-decade-east-gulf-coasts-gain-22-03-2023
The BC Provinces on report states that location, access to rail and road are deeming factors in a port’s success and tax ed have little bearing
ReplyDeleteThere is a tendency when talking about the PRPA to lump together or confuse different parties and attribute motives without evidence.
DeleteThe reference to an expert report is to a consultant's report entitled "Notes on Taxation and the Competitiveness of BC's Regulated Port Terminals". The scrap the tax cap group got a copy through an FOI request and has selectively quoted from it, but has not released the full report although there is nothing stopping them from doing so. The report has been described as the Province's report, but it was prepared by an outside consultant, not from within the Ministry of Finance.
Similarly, the port is described as being in negotiations with the longshore union, when in fact the PRPA is not the employer and the negotiations are between the ILWU and the BC Maritime Employers Association.
The port has "eviserated their assessed values", which resulted in a reduction in the City's PILT revenues, when assessments are prepared by BC Assessment Authority subject to a right of appeal and a final determination by the Property Assessment Appeal Board.
NCR is apparently giving the port a "free pass" by writing an article presenting a summary on volumes shipped through the various facilities. What investigative reporting NCR should be undertaking is not self-evident.
PRPA's statement about "global supply chain disruption" and competitive shifts is said to be an excuse, rather than a factual statement or fair comment. The implication seems to be that DP World has reduced its throughput and its pay cheques so that the port can "force urgency", "add leverage" and show everyone that they are at the port's mercy. That DP World actually wanted a decrease in its volumes, revenue and pay cheques to employees is to say the least highly doubtful.
Outside consultant = expert. Report Commissioned for and paid by the Province = the Province’s report.
DeleteThat’s almost the same distinction without a difference as “bonuses” vs. “variable compensation”
When are people going to realize that the port is just going to automate and destroy hundreds of jobs that they previously bragged of creating?
DeleteThere is absolutely no evidence that this dystopian nightmare you have concocted is anywhere close to a plan in motion ...
DeleteBy this logic, the City should suspend any plans to create housing, cause we won't need it.
The quest to attract more workers to fill in the growing gaps in our service sector should probably stop as well.
Honestly, maybe just do some research once an awhile ...
It's rather tiring having to be the fact check department for your never ending conspiracy theories NCR
Zero evidence for automation?
DeleteThis comment of yours betrays your fealty to the port over your own community.
And when the truth comes out, you will look profoundly wrong.
Ok I'll be waiting for the full evidence and the arrival of your dystopian future.
DeleteFor now, the weather forecast for the week ahead is of glorious sunshine ...
So instead of hitting the keyboard with your vexatious summations, gaslighting and ad hominem attacks ...
Maybe grab a coffee at Yaga and take a few spins around the Seal Cove Salt Marsh and maybe the Rushbrook Trail.
Enjoy some fresh air, get some sun and take a look at some of the natural beauty of the place ...
Peace out for Now. NCR
Maybe a calming tea over coffee from Yaga now that I think about it a bit, may do you a world of good.. NCR
Delete"Outside consultant = expert. Report Commissioned for and paid by the Province = the Province’s report."
ReplyDeleteThe Province is not bound by any consultant's report that it commissions and pays for. Ministry staff may disagree with the contents or they may conclude that there are countervailing considerations and advise the Minister accordingly.
That the Scrap the Tax Cap group has cited the report but has not released it to the public raises doubts about how well it supports what they are saying.
While certainly selective in their releases, the excerpts now shared in the public domain are damning to the main premises of the tax caps.
DeleteThe whole report (hopefully) probably tells the whole story. But the snippets certainly tell the one side of the story quite persuasively.
Yes, one side of the story. But what is the rest of the story, and that aside what else has the Ministry considered?
Delete