UN/LOCODE: CAHMC📍 Canada

Port of Harmac (UN/LOCODE CAHMC)

Coordinates: 49.1300°N, -123.8500°E
Time Zone: America/Vancouver
UN/LOCODE: CAHMC
## About the Port Harmac Port, identified by UN/LOCODE as CAHMC, represents a strategically significant inland port facility located in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. Situated at coordinates 49.13° Latitude, -123.85° Longitude, this port operates within the America/Vancouver timezone, positioning it advantageously for Pacific Rim commerce and transcontinental cargo movements. The port's unique geographical positioning along the Fraser River system provides critical access to both marine and rail transport networks, making it an essential node in North American supply chain logistics. Harmac's designation as an inland port reflects its operational characteristics distinct from traditional coastal terminals, serving primarily as a bulk cargo transfer and consolidation hub. ## History Harmac Port's development traces directly to the industrial expansion of British Columbia's Fraser Valley during the mid-20th century. The facility emerged to support the region's burgeoning resource extraction industries, particularly forestry and mining operations concentrated in the interior provinces of Canada. Historical records indicate that Harmac's initial infrastructure development began in the 1950s, coinciding with the establishment of major pulp and paper manufacturing facilities throughout the Lower Mainland. The port's strategic value became apparent through its ability to facilitate efficient export of forest products via the Fraser River system to Pacific Ocean vessels anchored in Vancouver Harbor. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Harmac underwent significant expansion to accommodate growing throughput demands. This period marked the integration of advanced cargo handling equipment and the development of dedicated rail spurs connecting the facility to major transcontinental railway lines. These infrastructure enhancements positioned Harmac as a critical link in the transportation chain between western Canadian resource producers and international markets. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Harmac Port complex encompasses extensive waterfront facilities designed for efficient bulk cargo operations. The harbor features deep-water berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 25,000 deadweight tons, with specialized terminal infrastructure supporting multiple cargo types including forest products, minerals, and general bulk commodities. State-of-the-art cargo handling equipment forms the backbone of Harmac's operational capability. The facility operates large-capacity gantry cranes, conveyor systems, and front-end loaders specifically calibrated for high-throughput bulk material handling. Dedicated storage areas provide ample capacity for cargo accumulation, featuring both open-air yards and covered storage facilities where required. Rail connectivity represents a defining characteristic of Harmac's infrastructure. Direct rail spurs connect the port to both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway mainlines, enabling seamless cargo transfer between marine and rail transport modes. This multimodal capability allows Harmac to serve as an efficient gateway for cargo destined for markets across North America and beyond. Modern safety and environmental systems ensure compliance with contemporary maritime regulations. The port maintains comprehensive emergency response capabilities, environmental monitoring systems, and advanced navigational aids supporting safe vessel operations within the Fraser River estuary. ## Economic Importance Harmac Port constitutes a vital economic engine for British Columbia's resource sector, generating substantial employment opportunities and tax revenue for provincial and municipal governments. Annual cargo throughput directly supports hundreds of jobs in cargo handling, logistics, and related industrial services. The facility's strategic location enables competitive cost advantages for resource producers throughout western Canada. By providing efficient access to Pacific export markets, Harmac facilitates the movement of billions of dollars worth of agricultural, mineral, and forest products annually. This economic activity extends well beyond direct port operations, supporting ancillary businesses including trucking companies, equipment maintenance services, and professional logistics firms. Harmac's role in British Columbia's economy extends to its contribution of export revenue. Forest products represent the largest cargo category, with softwood lumber, pulp, and wood chips forming consistent traffic patterns. Mineral shipments, including coal and potash, provide additional revenue streams while supporting mining operations throughout the province. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Harmac Port serves as a crucial transshipment hub connecting inland production centers with Pacific Ocean shipping lanes. Primary trade routes originate from the interior western provinces, with cargo destined for destinations across Asia, Europe, and other North American markets. Major shipping lines maintain regular services to key Asian ports including Shanghai, Osaka, and Busan, while European routes connect through major liner services. Forest products dominate Harmac's cargo profile, representing approximately 75% of total annual throughput. Softwood lumber exports consistently rank as the largest single commodity, followed by wood chips and pulp. These commodities originate primarily from British Columbia's interior sawmills and pulp mills, with additional supplies from Alberta and Saskatchewan processing facilities. Coal imports represent a secondary but economically significant cargo category, primarily serving steelmaking operations in the Lower Mainland industrial corridor. These shipments travel from major coal-producing regions in Washington State and Alberta, utilizing Harmac's efficient transfer capabilities for onward transport to destination facilities. Bulk mineral shipments, including potash and other fertilizer components, have gained importance in recent years as agricultural export demands increased. These commodities utilize dedicated terminal facilities within the Harmac complex, benefiting from specialized handling equipment and storage infrastructure.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CAHMC

Country

Canada

Province / Region

British Columbia

Latitude

49.130000

Longitude

-123.850000

Timezone

America/Vancouver

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Harmac?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Harmac is CAHMC.

Where is Port of Harmac located?

The Port of Harmac is located in Canada, British Columbia. Its coordinates are 49.1300°N, -123.8500°E.

What time zone is Port of Harmac in?

Port of Harmac operates in the America/Vancouver time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.02 m
Wave Direction342°
Swell Height0.02 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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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.