en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is seeking an operator for its Fraser Wharves site in Richmond, aiming to expand the Port of Vancouver's trade capacity and support the federal government's goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets within the next decade.

The 40-acre port terminal site represents the first major terminal development opportunity in a decade at Canada's largest port, offering potential operators a brownfield site with existing marine, rail, and road connections. The Port of Vancouver has 29 major terminal sites, handling millions of tonnes of cargo annually for Canada, including grain and fertilizer exports, as well as containers and automotive trade.

Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, stated that the port is unlocking economic potential by building the necessary trade capacity to move more Canadian products to global customers. He noted that this is a very rare opportunity to develop and operate a new terminal within a proven port ecosystem that has access to the Indo-Pacific region and other markets.

The Port Authority is working with the federal Major Projects Office to advance the site development as part of the Government of Canada's Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy. The Major Projects Office may provide support during the process to ensure the project proceeds efficiently while respecting Indigenous rights and protecting the environment.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and North America's most diversified port, handling more cargo than the next five largest Canadian ports combined. It connects Canada to over 170 international markets, with more than 85% of cargo handling supporting trade outside the United States.

The terminal site, located at 13800 Steveston Highway, was previously used as an automotive terminal but has been consolidated under the Annacis Auto Terminal Optimization Project and is now available to support new trade opportunities.

Features of this brownfield opportunity include: deep-sea vessel access via the Fraser River and existing marine berths; a fully paved, secure, and fenced site with existing rail and road infrastructure; rail service provided by Canadian National Railway (CN), including nine existing on-site tracks and expansion opportunities; and highway access, with Highway 99 just 1.5 kilometers away.

Over the past five years, dry bulk exports have grown by 12%, driven by strategic investments and global demand for high-quality Canadian goods. In 2025, the Port of Vancouver shipped a record 131 million metric tonnes (MMT) of bulk cargo, including approximately 30 MMT of grain, 11 MMT of potash, and 27 MMT of petroleum products.

The Port Authority expects to conduct a two-phase screening process, inviting qualified interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest for the site by 5:00 PM on September 11, 2026.