A record 66,842 TEUs of containerized cargo moved through Fraser River Port as part of the regular services offered by CSAV/Norasia, Fanal and Matson.

Fraser River Port's two main niche cargoes, automobiles and steel continued strong to the end of the year. Import cars were up to 317,551 units compared to 296,579 in 1999. Fraser River Port now handles all inbound Japanese and Korean cars in Canada. Steel imports closed the year at 950,806 tonnes.

Compared to record international shipments of 2,863,937 tonnes, overall domestic shipments were down slightly at 21,883,365 tonnes although several commodities posted increases. Norske Skog's new Sylvan Distribution Centre is now in full operation and the domestic paper volume reflected this activity. Inbound paper volumes reached 503,325 tonnes compared to 250,300 in 1999. Changes in the forest industry were reflected in a 2,603,136 tonnes decrease in log volumes.

Fraser River Port Authority is a major economic generator in the region attributed with cargo valued at over $ 9 billion, the creation of 6,000 jobs, and a $ 1.4 billion impact on Canada's GDP.

For more information contact:

Raija Orava
Manager, Public Affairs
Fraser River Port Authority
Tel. (604) 524-6655