Some New West residents may notice some noise and vibration as construction of the next phase of an auto terminal gets underway on Annacis Island.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen recently completed Phase 1 of its Annacis Auto Terminal optimization project.
“These rail improvements will mean terminal operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen is able to move more vehicles, more quickly to auto dealers across the country—and in turn to Canadians,” Willy Yung, director of engineering and asset management, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said in a statement to the Record. “We want to thank everyone in the local community for their continued patience while we work to complete the final two phases of the project safely and as quickly as possible, and with minimal impact to those living and working nearby.”
According to Port Metro Vancouver, work is getting underway this month on the next phase of the project – site preparation for a new vehicle processing centre. While this work is taking place, it said nearby residents can expect noise and possible vibration activities.
Construction activities will take place from Monday to Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. No construction activities will take place on Sundays or statutory holidays.
With nearly 100 per cent of imported Asian-made vehicles coming to Canada moving through the Port of Vancouver and being processed at either the Annacis or Richmond auto terminal, it said the rail project will increase capacity at Canada’s largest auto terminal by more than one-third.
“With the new rail capacity, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is well positioned to continue to support growth in the Canadian automotive market,” said Dan Emerson, vice president of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
In an October 2022 letter to residents who may be impacted by construction of the Annacis Auto Terminal optimization project, the port authority said the project is expected to be complete by fall 2024.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, in partnership with terminal operator, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions, is leading the project, which aims to improve the efficiency of the terminal’s existing operations and to increase its capacity to handle a greater volume of automobile imports in the future.
Improvements being made to the terminal include: expanding two existing terminal rail yards; installing electric vehicle charging stations; and replacing some terminal buildings with a new vehicle processing facility.
More information about the project can be found by subscribing to the project newsletter at portvancouver.com/annacisautoterminal.
