Dear Members,
The Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) has indicated that short-term demand for anchorages at the Port of Vancouver and throughout the Southern Gulf Islands is approaching capacity. As such, members are advised to plan for limited availability, consider alternative anchorages in Southern B.C. waters, and use measures such as slow steaming to support just-in-time arrival where practicable. VFPA have indicated that they will prioritize English Bay anchorages based on cargo availability, assign anchorages according to vessel size as much as possible, and consider alternatives including Nanaimo, Royal Roads and Constance Bank to alleviate congestion.
In the most recent Active Vessel Traffic Management (AVTM) meeting, we stressed to the VFPA that anchorages must be assigned in an efficient manner, as we have recently seen anchorages dedicated to larger Capesize vessels being occupied by smaller Panamax or Handymax vessels. VFPA indicated they are making efforts to clear up these mismatched anchorages by moving smaller vessels with no berthing schedule to more appropriate anchorages where possible, though the fluid nature of berthing schedules presents some challenges to anchorage assignments.
Nevertheless, we will continue to advocate for appropriate anchorage allocation and utilization within AVTM, and encourage members to share any feedback with Steve Bagnell (sbagnell@shipfed.ca) and the undersigned.
Best regards,
Nathan Phillips
Acting Manager, Marine Affairs