OTTAWA, Oct. 31 – The Canadian federal government announced that the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion at the Port of Vancouver has been listed as a project of national interest, a move that aims to strengthen trade infrastructure and reduce reliance on the U.S. market.
The statement, released by Transport Canada, highlighted that the project—valued at approximately 5.9 billion Canadian dollars (about 4.2 billion U.S. dollars)—will increase the port’s container handling capacity by roughly 50 percent. The expansion is expected to add 2.4 million containers of annual processing capacity.
"The listing decision provides regulatory certainty and accelerates the project's commercial operations to 2035, up to four years ahead of schedule," Transport Canada said. The agency also noted that the project is currently on a viable path to reach a Final Investment Decision by mid‑2027.
Project Overview
The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is the largest port terminal in Canada, and its expansion is central to the country’s trade strategy. By expanding the terminal, the government hopes to support up to 100 billion Canadian dollars in annual trade, which translates to about 71.55 billion U.S. dollars.
Transport Canada said that raising the port’s capacity will allow Canadian exporters to ship cargo more efficiently and to a broader range of destinations outside the United States. The expansion is therefore seen as a key element of a larger plan to diversify Canada’s trade partners.
Strategic Vision
According to Transport Canada, the project is part of a broader strategy to double Canada’s exports to non‑U.S. markets by 2035. The country has long sought to reduce its economic dependence on the neighbouring U.S. market, and the port expansion is one of several initiatives aimed at achieving that goal.
The designation of the project as a national interest also means that it will receive additional regulatory support, allowing phases of construction to move forward with fewer delays. The project’s progress to a Final Investment Decision is now anticipated for mid‑2027, earlier than previously projected.
Stakeholders in the port, logistics and trade sectors have welcomed the announcement. By increasing throughput, the expansion is expected to lower shipping costs, improve transit times, and create jobs in the region.
In the broader context of Canadian trade policy, the move aligns with other infrastructure projects designed to enhance competitiveness and resilience. The government’s focus on enhancing the Port of Vancouver underscores the importance of maritime logistics for Canada’s export economy.
As the project advances, Transport Canada will monitor and adjust policies to ensure that regulatory and environmental standards are upheld while achieving the scheduled expansion milestones.