Vancouver – With the support of the Major Projects Office, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), and GCT Global Container Terminals (GCT) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore a partnership to advance Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) at the Port of Vancouver.
A joint press release indicated the parties will work collaboratively to share information and negotiate in good faith with the goal of achieving a Joint Development Agreement.
As Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver plays a critical role in enabling trade and supporting the national economy. Increasing container capacity is essential to meeting future demand, improving supply chain resilience, and maintaining Canada’s global competitiveness.
The MOU reflects a shared commitment to strengthen Canada’s trade infrastructure by exploring opportunities for partnership to deliver RBT2 in a coordinated, efficient, and commercially viable manner. As a majority Canadian-owned operator with over a century of experience operating container terminals and existing operations at nearby Deltaport, GCT may provide unique benefits to a partnership with VFPA.
Under the MOU, VFPA and GCT will work together through a defined process to assess the benefits, synergies, and operational expertise that GCT can contribute as the potential terminal builder and operator. During this one-year period, VFPA will work exclusively with GCT to explore a development and operating arrangement for RBT2.
VFPA will continue to lead the development of the RBT2 landmass and remain responsible for permitting and engagement with Indigenous communities.
As part of this coordinated approach, GCT will withdraw its application to the Major Project Office for its separate Deltaport Berth 4 (DP4) expansion project and instead focus its efforts on advancing RBT2.
Stated Peter Xotta, President and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority: “Increasing container capacity is essential to Canada’s ability to compete, grow, and trade with the world. This is an exciting time for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project with procurement underway and a landmass construction partner to be selected this summer. This MOU moves us into planning for the next stage of project delivery with an opportunity for partnership with a Canadian-owned operator with a strong track record of delivery in Port of Vancouver.”
Declared Eric Waltz, President and CEO, GCT Global Container Terminals: “GCT has a long history of driving growth at the Port of Vancouver. Strong, reliable trade infrastructure is fundamental to Canada’s economic strength, and we are excited to work alongside the VFPA to explore how our operational expertise and long-term investment capacity can contribute to the successful delivery of RBT2.”
(VFPA artist rendering of RBT2)