A recent article described documents obtained by activists as evidence Port Metro Vancouver intends to ship LNG through the Fraser River. To be clear, as a federally mandated port authority, our role is to ensure whatever Canada, or the province, wishes to ship through the port is done so efficiently and safely. We do not determine what goods are traded, nor do we decide government trade policy.
We were asked by the provincial government to look into the future and recommend the height for the proposed bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel. This information was needed to properly plan for the long term and required us to anticipate the largest vessels that could reasonably travel up the Fraser, given its restricted width and depth.
We provided dimensions for LNG ships due to the province’s interest in this industry and because these vessels, along with cruise ships, require the most vertical clearance. As to what is eventually traded on the river, that is up to others to decide.
Peter Xotta, Vice-President
Operations and Planning Port Metro Vancouver