The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is expanding a centralized marine traffic scheduling system to encompass the entire Burrard Inlet, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in one of Canada’s busiest trade hubs.

This advanced system enables the port authority to manage actively and sequence commercial ship movements in Burrard Inlet, home to 23 Port of Vancouver’s 29 key terminals. This inlet handles nearly two-thirds of the port’s deep-sea ship traffic, annually supporting over US$75 billion in goods movement.

“The scheduling system for marine traffic is already optimizing ship movements in eastern Burrard Inlet—streamlining operations and increasing safety and efficiency as traffic grows with Trans Mountains’ expanded pipeline and terminal berths now online. The centralized scheduling system is a big step forward strengthening the maritime supply chain we support,” stated Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

Developed in collaboration with DHI SeaPort OPX, the system integrates cutting-edge digital tools such as weather and tide forecasts to help optimize the movement of commercial vessels through Vancouver’s high-traffic harbour. Once fully operational, it will help coordinate over 5,000 annual vessel movements—including cargo ships, cruise liners, and tugboats—especially during peak periods when up to 20 ships transit under the Lions Gate Bridge daily.

In addition, enhanced visibility of marine activity within Burrard Inlet will allow for better coordination among port stakeholders. This includes visibility over transits at the Second Narrows rail crossing, allowing CN to improve rail service reliability and capacity for the North Shore trade corridor. In 2023, terminals on the North Shore accounted for roughly 30% of the port’s total cargo volume, including 50% of its grain exports.

As a cornerstone of the port authority’s Active Vessel Traffic Management Program, the scheduling system was initially deployed in eastern Burrard Inlet in October 2023. This initial rollout focused on sequencing movements for cargo vessels, tugs, and barges at six key terminals east of the Second Narrows rail bridge, such as Pacific Coast Terminals and Trans Mountain.

In 2023, Burrard Inlet handled over US$75 billion worth of goods, including bulk exports like grain and fertilizer, containerized cargo, and breakbulk shipments like forestry products and steel. The Canada Place terminal also hosted 332 cruise ship calls. Of the approximately 3,000 deep-sea vessels visiting the Port of Vancouver annually, nearly 2,000 pass through Burrard Inlet.

The port authority plans to expand the centralized scheduling system to the Fraser River by the end of 2025, extending its benefits across the entire Port of Vancouver.