November 17, 1998 : For the third successive quarter this year, Fraser River Port's cargo stats show that cargo diversification and timely investments at its terminals on the Fraser River have helped to ward off the worst effects of the Asian flu. Total international and domestic cargoes for 1998 have reached 15,917,233 tonnes, just under the 16,693,658 posted for the same period in 1997.

The capital investments at Fraser Surrey Docks continue to attract more business. By the end of the quarter, 393 ships had called at the port up 9% from last year. The $6.5 million spent in container terminal upgrades have boosted container traffic by 30% to 17,679 TEUs this year.

Fraser River Port's position as the major West Coast auto distribution centre continues to be solid with 201,602 import units recorded over last year's 191,902. The Port is also known as the largest West Coast handler for breakbulk steel and posted increases in both international and domestic steel shipments.

Both automobile terminals were also busy. The declining currency situation, coupled with increased consumer demand, boosted automobile imports and this is balanced by significant growth in the domestic sector as well.

Fraser River Port is located on the Fraser River in British Columbia. The harbour area, administered by the Fraser River Harbour Commission, extends from the Strait of Georgia east to Langley and includes 227 kms of shoreline.