The following is a report from the Port Community Liaison Committee, a multi-stakeholder body that includes representatives from the community, environment, agriculture, industry and local governments that addresses portrelated issues. Heads up! Two new megamax ship-to-shore cranes will soon be arriving at the GCT Deltaport container terminal at Roberts Bank. They are part of a $300-million terminal densification project that will increase container handling capacity at Deltaport without expanding the terminal footprint.
The cranes are being delivered by ship, readyassembled, and - at 92 metres tall - will be the largest and most modern cranes on the west coast of North America. With a reach of more than 70 metres, they can service the largest container ships that are increasingly being used on trans-Pacific routes.
The cranes are expected to arrive early this summer. Community notifications will be mailed out and regular updates will be posted on GCT's webpage: globalterminalscanada.com/projectupdates/The new cranes are electric powered, with regenerative drives to minimize power use, high-efficiency LED lighting to reduce glare from light, and are equipped with features intended to reduce operational noise levels compared to similar cranes. This should be welcome news for local residents who may be impacted by terminal noise, especially during summer nights when windows are open.
More helpful news is that the long-awaited shore power connections project at Deltaport's third berth is beginning construction. Once completed, it will facilitate the newer container ships that have the capability to plug-in while at the terminal - meaning they can turn off their diesel engines, saving fuel, reducing emissions and eliminating generator noise. Work to install the duct banks and electrical systems will be happening from June until October, so they may be fully operational for next spring.
The Port Community Liaison Committee (PCLC) feels these steps represent progress in addressing some longstanding community issues relating to noise, light pollution and emissions. It is a demonstration the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and its tenants are listening and making investments to mitigate impacts on communities in which they operate.
The PCLC will continue working within its mandate to ensure input is provided to decision makers on a range of port-related issues in the community, including participation in Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led consultation processes for expansion projects at Roberts Bank.
If you have questions about these initiatives, or would like to learn more about the role of our multi-stakeholder committee, please contact us at [email protected]. We also have a webpage with information, meeting notes and port-related resources. You can find it at www.portvancouver.com.
