UN/LOCODE: CAVAN📍 Canada

Port of Vancouver (UN/LOCODE CAVAN)

❖ Coordinates: 49.2827°N, -123.1207°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Vancouver

❖ UN/LOCODE: CAVAN

## About the Port The **Port of Vancouver** (UN/LOCODE: CAVAN), located in **British Columbia, Canada**, is the nation's largest port and a critical node in the Pacific Rim maritime network. Situated at **49.2827291°N, 123.1207375°W** in the **America/Vancouver** timezone, it serves as the western terminus for Canada's transcontinental transportation corridor, connecting to the rest of North America via rail and highway. The port encompasses multiple terminals along the Fraser River and Burrard Inlet, facilitating trade with Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Its strategic position on the mainland coast, amid the Cascade Range and Pacific Ocean, enables year-round operations, though it requires navigational expertise due to tidal influences and urban proximity. ## History The Port of Vancouver's origins trace to the late 19th century, coinciding with the founding of Vancouver City in 1886. The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1887 catalyzed its growth, transforming it into a key gateway for immigrants and goods entering British Columbia. Early operations focused on lumber, coal, and agricultural exports. In 1968, the **Vancouver Port Authority** (now the **Port of Vancouver**) was established to manage the region's expanding maritime activities. The mid-20th century saw pivotal developments, including the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, which redirected some Great Lakes cargo to the Pacific. Today, the port is a cornerstone of Canada’s Pacific maritime strategy, handling over 140 million tonnes of cargo annually. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The port operates **27 federal and municipal terminals**, including specialized facilities for containers, bulk cargo, and automobiles. Key infrastructure includes: - **Deltaport Terminal**: A state-of-the-art container terminal at Roberts Bank, featuring 12 berths and advanced cargo-handling equipment. - **Fraser Surrey Terminals**: Bulk cargo facilities for grain, coal, and forest products. - **Vancouver Airport Fuel Facility**: A dedicated terminal for petroleum products. - **Lions Gate Marine**: A major hub for RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and breakbulk cargoes. The port spans approximately 40 kilometers of coastline, integrating with the **Vancouver Fraser Port Authority** (VFPA), which oversees federal lands and navigation infrastructure. Modernization efforts, such as the **Deltaport Expansion Project**, aim to enhance capacity and sustainability. The VFPA collaborates with Indigenous communities and prioritizes eco-friendly technologies, including shore power systems and hybrid-electric tugboats [Vancouver Fraser Port Authority↗]. ## Economic Importance The Port of Vancouver contributes over **$20 billion CAD annually** to Canada’s GDP and supports more than **100,000 jobs** directly and indirectly. It handles roughly **25% of Canada’s total maritime trade**, acting as a lifeline for industries in western Canada. The port’s success hinges on its role in exporting raw materials (grain, coal, potash) and importing consumer goods. In 2022, it processed over **3.5 million TEUs** (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containerized cargo. Its integration with the **TransMountain Pipeline Expansion** further underscores its economic significance, linking energy exports to international markets. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The port’s primary trade routes connect Asia (Japan, China, South Korea) to North America, leveraging the **Great Circle Route** via the Pacific Ocean. It also serves European and South American markets. Key cargoes include: - **Grain and agricultural products**: Canada’s largest grain export terminal handles wheat, canola, and pulses. - **Coal**: Thermal and metallurgical coal exported to Asia via dedicated terminals. - **Automobiles**: The **Annacis Auto Terminal** is North America’s largest, processing over 500,000 vehicles annually. - **Lumber and forest products**: A legacy trade, with sawmills and pulp mills relying on port access. The port’s container traffic includes manufactured goods and consumer electronics, while bulk carriers transport potash for fertilizers. Its strategic role in the **Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)** supply chains highlights its importance in North American trade dynamics [Statistics Canada↗]. The VFPA continuously adapts to evolving global supply chains, emphasizing digitization and environmental stewardship to maintain competitiveness.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CAVAN

Country

Canada

Province / Region

British Columbia

Latitude

49.282729

Longitude

-123.120738

Timezone

America/Vancouver

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Vancouver?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Vancouver is CAVAN.

Where is Port of Vancouver located?

The Port of Vancouver is located in Canada, British Columbia. Its coordinates are 49.2827°N, -123.1207°E.

What time zone is Port of Vancouver in?

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

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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.

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