Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Seeking Operator for Fraser Wharves Terminal

July 24, 2026 - The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is looking for an operator for its Fraser Wharves terminal site in Richmond, as part of work to expand trade capacity at the Port of Vancouver in support of federal government efforts to double exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade.

The 40-acre port terminal site in Richmond is the first major terminal opportunity at Canada’s largest port in a decade, offering potential operators a brownfield site with existing marine, rail and road connections. There are 29 major terminal sites at the Port of Vancouver, each moving millions of tonnes of cargo for Canada every year from grain and fertilizer exports to containerized and auto trade.

“The Port of Vancouver is helping unlock Canada’s economic potential by building the trade capacity needed to move more of the products Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow to more customers around the world,” said Peter Xotta, President/CEO at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “This is a very rare opportunity to develop and operate a new terminal within a proven port ecosystem that has unparallel access to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. We look forward to finding the right partner to turn this site into a terminal that can deliver Canadian commodities to world markets and support trade diversification work.”

The port authority is engaged with the federal Major Projects Office on this site as part of the Government of Canada’s Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy. The Major Projects Office may support the port authority with this process to ensure the project is efficiently advanced, while respecting Indigenous rights and safeguarding the environment.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest and North America’s most diversified port, moving more cargo than the next five largest Canadian ports combined. Connecting Canada to more than 170 international markets, the port is a critical gateway for Canadian trade — with over 85% of cargo handled supporting commerce beyond the U.S.

The terminal site, at 13800 Steveston Highway, was previously used as an auto terminal, but was consolidated under the Annacis Auto Terminal Optimization Project and is now free to support new trade opportunities.

The brownfield opportunity features:

• Deep-sea vessel access via the Fraser River and an existing marine berth
• A fully paved, secured and fenced site with existing rail and road infrastructure
• Rail service is via CN, including nine existing on-site tracks and expansion opportunities
• Highway access, with Highway 99 just 1.5km away

Dry bulk export volumes have grown 12% in the last five years, driven by strategic investment and global demand for high-quality Canadian commodities. The Port of Vancouver moved a record 131 million metric tonnes (MMT) of bulk cargo in 2025, including approximately 30 MMT of grain, 11 MMT of potash fertilizer and 27 MMT of petroleum products.

The port authority expects to conduct a two-stage selection process, with qualified interested parties invited to submit an Expression of Interest for the site before 5 p.m. on September 11, 2026.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s gateway to diverse markets, enabling trade of approximately $365 billion every year with 170 countries. Located on the southwest coast of British Columbia in Canada, its 29 major deep-water terminals and more than 1,000 tenants move goods and people across five sectors (auto, bulk, breakbulk, container and cruise). The port is made up of approximately 16,000 ha of water, 1,500 ha of land and 350 km of shoreline, extending across Burrard Inlet, Fraser River and Roberts Bank.

SOURCE: Port of Vancouver