Vancouver, BC Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

The Port of Vancouver Rail Complex includes Deltaport, Vanterm, and Centerm terminals, operated by CN Rail and CPKC, handling containers, bulk, and automotive cargo with direct connections to transcontinental rail networks

Modern intermodal terminals at Deltaport and Centerm provide seamless transfer between marine, rail, and truck, featuring on-dock rail, automated stacking cranes, and high-capacity container handling for efficient cargo movement

Market Size and Economic Impact

Vancouver’s port and rail system moved a record 158 million metric tonnes in 2024, more than the next five Canadian ports combined, generating over $7 billion in annual economic impact and supporting more than 115,000 jobs across British Columbia

Competitive Landscape

• CN Rail Terminals: Deltaport and Centerm offer high-volume container and bulk handling with direct transcontinental service
• CPKC Rail Facilities: Intermodal terminals connect Vancouver to eastern Canada, the U.S. Midwest, and Mexico via the CPKC network
• BNSF Access: Burlington Northern Santa Fe provides cross-border service, linking Vancouver to U.S. Pacific Northwest and Midwest markets

Opportunities

• Asia-Pacific Trade: Rising containerized imports and exports with China, Japan, and South Korea drive rail volume growth
• Infrastructure Expansion: Major investments in terminal capacity and rail corridors support future cargo and intermodal demand
• Green Supply Chains: Vancouver’s focus on low-emission rail and port operations attracts sustainability-focused shippers

Challenges

• Terminal Congestion: Surging container volumes challenge dwell times and on-dock rail capacity at key terminals
• Urban Constraints: Limited land and proximity to residential areas restrict rail yard and terminal expansion options
• Weather Impacts: Heavy rainfall and Pacific storms can disrupt rail schedules and port operations, affecting reliability

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Container Surge: Double-digit growth in TEU volumes as Asian trade rebounds and e-commerce accelerates
• Bulk Exports: Strong demand for Canadian grain, coal, and potash maintains high bulk rail traffic
• Diversified Cargo: Automotive, forest products, and project cargo add to Vancouver’s broad commodity mix

Future Outlook

• Terminal Expansions: Deltaport and Centerm capacity projects will boost container throughput and rail efficiency
• Digitalization: Implementation of advanced port management and real-time cargo tracking systems
• Sustainability: Ongoing investments in low-emission locomotives and green infrastructure to meet climate targets

Recommendations

• Capacity Upgrades: Accelerate rail and terminal expansion to accommodate projected cargo growth through 2030
• Technology Integration: Deploy AI-driven logistics and automation to optimize yard and train operations
• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local communities to address land use and environmental concerns