G3 opens next-generation grain terminal in B.C.

VANCOUVER — A new grain export terminal has opened its doors in Vancouver.

G3 Terminal Vancouver, a state-of-the-art grain export terminal at the Port of Vancouver on Canada’s West Coast, will enhance the country’s grain supply chain.

When linked with G3’s expanding network of high-tech loop track grain elevators in central Canada and in partnership with Canada’s railways, the new terminal is expected to save western Canadian farmers’ time and money by keeping their grain moving to market, states a release.

According to G3, the system also ensures overseas customers have quick and reliable access to Canadian farm products.

“G3 began with the vision of building a more efficient path from farmers’ fields to global markets,” said Don Chapman, president and CEO of G3, in the press release. “We are very proud to see this vision become reality at G3 Terminal Vancouver, thanks to the safe and efficient work of our contractor Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. and with the help and co-operation of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.”

Work on the facility began at the North Vancouver site in March 2017 and is now substantially complete as planned.

For the last few months the facility has been taking in Prairie grain by rail and loading it onto ships as part of a commissioning process without incident. The facility is now in commercial operation.

According to G3, the project was designed with a focus on high velocity grain receiving, shipping and best-in-class environmental and safety standards, representing the next generation of grain terminal design.

The facility can handle up to three 150-car trains on its loop track. Trains unload while in motion and travel back to G3’s Prairie elevators without detaching from their locomotives, which is critical to increasing supply-chain efficiency, the company states.

The grain facility’s dock was built to manage vessels up to Capesize, and its three large ship loaders move grain on board at up to 6,500 tonnes per hour. The terminal has a storage capacity of 180,000 metric tonnes and receives and ships a variety of grains and oilseeds.

G3 noted it will forego a grand opening event to avoid COVID-19 infection risks.

“We will miss the opportunity to celebrate with our customers, partners and other guests but ensuring health and safety is of prime importance. Staff is working at the facility with physical distancing and hygiene measures in place,” said Chapman.