Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority releases its 2020 Sustainability Report

The 2020 Sustainability Report issued by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) discusses the greatest economic, environmental and social impacts of Port of Vancouver operations and the VFPA’s initiatives to address them.

It focuses on 10 areas that represent the largest sustainability challenges and opportunities related to the port’s activities. These are regrouped under three main themes: economic prosperity through trade, a healthy environment, and thriving communities.

The report’s environmental aspects touch upon water quality, biodiversity, climate action (for better air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions), climate adaptation, responsible best practices, sustainable infrastructure, and responsible supply chain practices.

Some of environmental highlights include:

• Strong industry participation to better understand and reduce the cumulative effects of shipping activities (especially underwater noise) on whales through the ECHO program
• The conceptual design and development of the aquatic ecosystem health program for Burrard Inlet
• Updated stormwater pollution prevention plans for three port-operated facilities
• A targeted treatment program for invasive plants on port land
• Flood mapping across the port’s jurisdiction (in progress)
• Development of a tool to help model and quantify flood risks to port lands, infrastructure, and natural assets
• Formation of an internal cross-functional team to develop a preliminary climate adaptation strategy.

The report also notes that as of 2020, 11 of the 29 major terminals at the port have joined Green Marine, namely: GCT Deltaport, GCT Vanterm, Westridge Terminal, Neptune Bulk Terminals, Pacific Coast Terminals, Seaspan (the shipyard), West Coast Reduction, Western Stevedoring (Lynnterm), Westshore Terminals, G3, and the CERES-managed Canada Place Cruise Terminal. Shipowner participants include North Arm Transportation, Saam Towage, and Seaspan ULC.

Click here to view the interactive report.