Inland port must make sense to truck and rail companies

Port Metro Vancouver - Editor: Re: Inland port push continues, Oct. 1 The article requires some clarification regarding the role of Port Metro Vancouver and the ongoing dialogue around inland ports.Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port. Our mandate guides our efforts to increase trade opportunities through the Asia-Pacific Gateway for the benefit of Canadians.As part of this, we work collaboratively with private industry, governments and stakeholders to support the capabilities and fluidity of the gateway, as well as minimize the impacts of these activities on the environment and neighbouring communitiesIt is important to note that Port Metro Vancouver is not against the creation of inland ports. Any new infrastructure to handle future container traffic through the gateway is welcome, whether it is in Ashcroft, Prince Rupert or elsewhere. The existence of an inland terminal could provide additional services for shippers, making B.C. a more diverse and competitive place to do business. What is important to remember is that containers travelling to and from Asia will all need to be loaded and unloaded from ships calling on marine terminals along the West Coast. If trucking and rail companies determine inland terminals are economically feasible, we are still left with a need to increase marine terminal capacity to meet increased demand.The anticipated growth in container trade through the gateway over the coming decades requires planning now.The proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project, subject to environmental approval, would provide enough additional capacity to meet demand until 2030. Additionally, it would provide considerable economic benefits for the region once it is operational, including about 7,600 direct jobs worth $813 million in wages.To learn more about the project, visit www.portmetrovancouver. com/RBT2.Peter Xotta Vice President, Planning and Operations Port Metro Vancouver