PRINCE RUPERT — The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has signaled a decisive “strategic recovery,” reporting a robust 14% increase in total cargo volumes for 2025. According to data released January 15 and 16, the gateway handled 26.3 million tonnes of cargo last year, marking a significant rebound from the labor and wildfire-related disruptions of 2024.
While the numbers show a port in ascent, the data also reveals a “rebuilding phase” for the intermodal sector. The Fairview Container Terminal, operated by DP World, moved 885,797 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units)—a 20% year-over-year jump. However, this volume remains approximately 27% below the pre-pandemic peak of 1.21 million TEUs reached in 2019.
“Our 2025 performance reflects the consistent commitment of the Prince Rupert Gateway’s workforce, terminal operators, CN, and customers,” said Kurt Slocombe, Interim President of the PRPA. “The depth of collaboration to unlock capacity and provide speed to market for $60 billion in annual trade is second to none.”
Energy and Agriculture Lead the Charge
The energy sector remains the “anchor” of the port’s growth. AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET) shipped nearly 2.4 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Asian markets, a 6% increase.
Other key sectors also saw gains:
- Coal: Trigon Pacific Terminals saw an 18% total increase, with metallurgical coal (up 26%) and thermal coal (up 21%) leading the rebound.
- Agriculture: Prince Rupert Grain exports rose by 8% following a strong Western Canadian harvest.
- Biofuels: Drax’s Westview Wood Pellet Terminal saw a 3% increase, moving 1.3 million tonnes.
- Tourism: Cruise passenger traffic climbed 14%, welcoming 67,771 visitors in 2025.
The 2026 Infrastructure Horizon
The port is currently undergoing a historic $3-billion capital investment cycle aimed at diversifying its export capabilities. Several massive projects are slated to reach critical milestones in mid-2026:
- CANXPORT Logistics Hub: Site preparation is complete for this 108-acre facility. Operated by Ray-Mont Logistics, it is expected to offer 400,000 TEUs of annual export capacity for forestry and agricultural products starting in Q3 2026.
- Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF): This $1.46-billion joint venture between AltaGas and Vopak is on track for completion in late 2026, with an initial capacity of 55,000 barrels per day.
- Trigon “Berth Two Beyond Carbon”: Construction of a second marine berth dedicated to low-carbon energy is nearing completion and is expected to be operational in 2026.
- South Kaien Logistics Park: A partnership with the Metlakatla Development Corporation, this project will add 100,000 TEUs of warehousing capacity and create an estimated 200 local jobs.
To fund these long-term enhancements, the PRPA implemented a 2.5% tariff increase effective January 1, 2026, affecting harbour dues and wharfage fees. Officials describe the hike as necessary to maintain the port’s global competitiveness and speed to market.
