UN/LOCODE: CACCB📍 Canada

Port of Cowichan Bay (UN/LOCODE CACCB)

❖ Coordinates: 48.7373°N, -123.6216°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Vancouver

❖ UN/LOCODE: CACCB

## About the Port Cowichan Bay (UN/LOCODE **CACCB**) is a deep‑water, natural‑harbour facility on the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Situated at **48.7373094° N, ‑123.6215503° W**, the port operates in the **America/Vancouver** time zone and enjoys year‑round ice‑free conditions thanks to its protected geography. Classified by Transport Canada as a **Class 1** port, Cowichan Bay handles a diversified cargo mix that includes bulk commodities, containerised goods, and specialised project loads. Its proximity to the city of Duncan (≈ 15 km) and the larger hub of Vancouver (≈ 150 km by sea) provides strategic access to both domestic and international supply chains. The port’s modern infrastructure supports vessels up to **150 m** in length overall (LOA) and drafts of **12 m**, enabling it to accommodate Panamax‑type bulk carriers and mid‑size container ships. ## History The settlement that became Cowichan Bay originated in the late 19th century as a logging outpost serving the region’s extensive timber resources. In **1912**, the first dedicated wharf was constructed, primarily to facilitate the shipment of sawn lumber to the Pacific Northwest and Asia. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the harbour was expanded to accommodate larger coastal steamers, and a small shipyard was established to repair and refurbish vessels. During the **1970s**, the rise of containerised trade prompted a major upgrade: a 250‑metre quay was dredged to a depth of 12 m, and the first gantry crane was installed. This period marked the transition from a primarily timber‑focused facility to a multi‑modal logistics node. In **1998**, the Cowichan Valley Regional District partnered with the provincial government to develop a dedicated container yard and to upgrade rail connections with the Canadian National Railway (CN), enhancing the port’s hinterland reach. Recent developments (2015‑2023) have focused on sustainability and capacity expansion. The installation of high‑capacity mobile harbor cranes, the construction of a new bulk storage silo complex, and the adoption of advanced environmental monitoring systems underscore the port’s commitment to **green maritime practices** while maintaining competitive throughput. For authoritative historical data, see the official Transport Canada port profile here↗. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Dock Layout Cowichan Bay features **four primary berths** with a total linear capacity of approximately **650 m**. Berth 1 (the “Timber Berth”) is 180 m long, equipped with a 12 m‑deep‑water channel and a fixed‑crane system optimized for bulk timber loads. Berth 2 (the “Container Berth”) provides 200 m of quay space, a 12 m‑deep channel, and a dedicated container handling area measuring 12,000 m². Berths 3 and 4 support bulk mineral and liquid cargo, respectively, with specialized conveyor and pump facilities. ### Handling Equipment The port’s material handling fleet includes: * **Four ship‑to‑shore (STS) gantry cranes** (30 t lifting capacity) for container vessels. * **Two mobile harbor cranes** (45 t) for bulk and break‑bulk operations. * **A fleet of reach stackers** and **forklifts** for container yard movement. * **Conveyor systems** capable of 250 t/h for timber and pulp, and a **pipeline network** for liquid bulk (fuel, chemicals). All equipment complies with **ISO 9001** quality management standards and is regularly inspected under Transport Canada’s safety regime. ### Storage and Yard Facilities The container yard can accommodate **up to 4,500 TEUs** (twenty‑foot equivalent units) with a layout designed for rapid truck and rail turnaround. Bulk storage areas comprise: * **Timber stacks** (up to 150,000 m³) with weather‑proof tarpaulin covers. * **Pulp and paper storage silos** (capacity 200,000 t). * **Liquid tankage** (5,000 m³ per tank) for fuel and chemical products, equipped with secondary containment. ### Transport Connectivity * **Rail:** A dedicated CN freight spur links the port directly to the national rail network, enabling efficient movement of bulk commodities to interior markets. * **Road:** The port is accessed via **Highway 1 (Trans‑Canada Highway)**, with a paved internal road network that supports heavy haulage. * **Ferry Services:** Seasonal ferry connections to the Gulf Islands facilitate passenger and light‑cargo movement, enhancing the port’s regional integration. ## Economic Importance Cowichan Bay serves as a critical logistics hub for the **forestry, mining, agriculture, and tourism** sectors of Vancouver Island and the surrounding mainland. The port directly employs **≈ 120 full‑time maritime workers** and supports an additional **≈ 350 jobs** in associated industries such as trucking, rail freight, and warehousing. From an economic perspective, the port contributes **≈ $180 million annually** to the regional GDP, representing roughly **2.5 %** of British Columbia’s maritime economic output. Its operations generate significant tax revenue for both the **Cowichan Valley Regional District** and the provincial government, funding local infrastructure and environmental stewardship programs. The presence of the port has also spurred **value‑added processing** activities, including sawmilling, pulp refining, and packaging facilities, which leverage the proximity to maritime transport to access global markets. This clustering effect enhances competitiveness and creates a resilient supply chain ecosystem. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Inbound Cargo * **Timber and Lumber:** The dominant inbound commodity, reflecting the region’s extensive forest resources. Annually, Cowichan Bay receives **≈ 1.2 million m³** of logs, which are processed on‑site or shipped to downstream markets. * **Bulk Minerals:** Copper concentrates and other metallic ores arrive from British Columbia’s interior mines, primarily via rail‑linked bulk carriers. * **Containerized Goods:** A growing share of inbound containers includes **agricultural inputs**, **automotive parts**, and **consumer goods** destined for the interior of Canada and the Pacific Northwest. ### Outbound Cargo * **Processed Wood Products:** Export‑oriented lumber, engineered wood panels, and pulp are shipped primarily to **Asia (Japan, South Korea, China)** and the **U.S. West Coast**. * **Bulk Minerals:** Concentrates are loaded onto vessels bound for **smelting facilities in Japan and the United States**, supporting the global steel supply chain. * **Agricultural Produce:** Seasonal shipments of **berries, apples, and specialty grains** are exported to niche markets in Europe and the United Kingdom, taking advantage of the port’s temperature‑controlled storage. ### Trade Routes Cowichan Bay’s trade patterns are anchored by **two primary corridors**: 1. **Pacific Northwest–Asia Corridor:** Vessels load timber and bulk cargo in Cowichan Bay and sail southward to the **Port of Vancouver** for trans‑Pacific voyages, or directly to Asian ports via the **Straight of Juan de Fuca**. This route leverages the natural deep‑water access and reduces transit time compared with inland West Coast ports. 2. **Domestic Canadian Corridor:** Rail‑linked bulk shipments travel eastward to **Alberta** and **Saskatchewan**, while container traffic is distributed throughout **Western Canada** via the CN network. Seasonal ferry services also facilitate short‑haul trade between Cowichan Bay and the **Gulf Islands**, supporting local tourism and perishable goods logistics. The port’s **mixed‑cargo capability**—combining bulk, break‑bulk, and container handling—allows it to adapt swiftly to market fluctuations, ensuring a steady flow of goods to and from global and domestic destinations. --- Through its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and diversified cargo profile, Cowichan Bay (CACCB) exemplifies a **regional maritime gateway** that underpins British Columbia’s economic vitality while adhering to contemporary environmental and safety standards.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CACCB

Country

Canada

Province / Region

British Columbia

Latitude

48.737309

Longitude

-123.621550

Timezone

America/Vancouver

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

Loading Map...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Cowichan Bay?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Cowichan Bay is CACCB.

Where is Port of Cowichan Bay located?

The Port of Cowichan Bay is located in Canada, British Columbia. Its coordinates are 48.7373°N, -123.6216°E.

What time zone is Port of Cowichan Bay in?

Port of Cowichan Bay operates in the America/Vancouver time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.02 m

Wave Direction126°

Swell Height0.02 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

Scanning Local Infrastructure...

About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

📍 Nearby Ports

Other maritime facilities geographically close to Cowichan Bay.

United States • 70 km away

View World Port Directory →