Cash for Cans?

The success of the Port of Prince Rupert has not escaped the gaze of American politicians, with levels dropping (and unemployment rising) at some key Western US ports, the backlash against Canadian competition has continued on, with a review from the American Federal Maritime Commission still working towards its final deliberations.

While that study continues on into the evaluation phase, one former chairman is offering up her solution to the concerns of the US port stakeholders, that being a Modified Harbour Maintenance Tax to be assessed on all freight from foreign sources that enters the USA.

With the US economy still struggling and unemployment a concern heading into an election year, the prospect of job protection may very well prove to be too enticing a solution even if it becomes the opening shot in a renewed trade war with Canada.

The suggestion from Ms. Bentley is providing for some fodder for debate on the topic of free trade between Canada and the US, an issue which could have ramifications for the Port of Prince Rupert's container operations in the years to come.

Northern View-- Former FMC Commissioner supports imposing fee on cargo entering US from Rupert port
Northern View-- Industry and Government weigh in on 'unfair' advantage of Prince Rupert Port
DC Velocity-- The brewing battle over the HMT
Lloyd's List-- Call to tax all US bound freight

Increased shipping through Prince Rupert benefits Prince George

With throughput at the Port of Prince Rupert's container port continuing to grow, the benefits are being felt eight hours to the east in Prince George which just completed expansion of a container handling yard in that city.

With track extensions and an improved lumber capacity, the Prince George yard now can handle up to 700 containers a week, up from 30 just a year ago, along with that expansion the workforce in Prince George at the CN yard has grown as well, with 15 new employees hired on making a total of 47 employed at the yard.

Prince George HQ-- CN intermodal Expansion complete

Latest results from the Port providing for much optimism

The recent numbers outlined by the Port of Prince Rupert is stoking the fires of optimism again in the region, with much attention focused on the Port as an engine of growth for the future the local media provided a number of pieces on the optimistic talk of the Port Authority.

CFTK-- Prince Rupert Port Authority's future looks bright
CFTK-- Watson Island once silent, now bustling with activity
Portworld-- Record 2010 cargo volumes for Prince Rupert port

Included in the various reviews were two video reports on CFTK which you can view here and here.

Port of Prince Rupert spreads its news

The Port of Prince Rupert puts the marketing department to good use with a declaration that it's the fastest growing port in the world. With a review of its 2010 numbers through the Fairview Container port and Ridley Terminals.

Offering up the prospect of better times ahead, Don Krusel the President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority said that the port continues to work with its partners to grow container volumes and advance the the phase expansion of the Fairview Container Terminal.

Details that were provided through the Prince George news portal Opinion 250. 


The glad tidings of the Port's current situation were relayed through the Vancouver Sun.