GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration Project
On October 8, 2015, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) issued Project Permit 2015-029 to GCT Canada LP for the GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration project. This project includes the addition of new container handling equipment, as well as construction of a new rail maintenance facility building, and associated infrastructure upgrades at the facility. In July 2016, the CFPA issued Project Permit Amendment 15-029-1 for ancillary support equipment and structures.
GCT Canada applied to the Port Authority for an additional amendment to Project Permit 2015-029 that included the installation of two additional, electric ship-to-shore Megamax cranes, which was later approved in March 2017.
The GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration is the second, $300 million privately-funded stage of the multi-phased expansion called Deltaport Terminal Road and Rail Improvement Project (DTRRIP), a collaboration with the Port authority and the Province of BC. The densification approach to the Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration project reflects our company’s priority to increase capacity with little to no impact on the environment and community. To meet rail traffic demand through Vancouver’s Pacific Gateway, the project will be completed within our existing footprint, without requiring additional land creation.
While maintaining full operational capabilities, we are implementing the following improvements:
- Rearranging the existing 2 sets of 4 tracks into a single set of 7 tracks;
- Replacing 7 existing electric RMGs with 8 new, modernized, electric CRMGs;
- Adding mobile container handling equipment in the container yard;
- Replacing lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures to reduce glare and alias light;
- Adding a new rail maintenance building; and
- Introducing 2 ship-to-shore Megamax cranes.
Figures 1 and 2: 2017 Build-out Visualization
Current Status
| Period | Milestone |
| 2015 | Completed design and public engagement. |
| Q1 2016 | Began site preparation and construction. |
| Q2 2016 | Completed training for new terminal operating system. |
| Q3 2016 | Commenced equipment arrivals including electric CRMGs, auto decoupling tractors, rail trailers, and Tier 4f RTGs. |
| Q4 2016 | Implemented Navis N4 terminal operating system. Completed LED lighting. |
| Q2 2017 | Electric Megamax STS cranes arrive. |
| Q2 2017 | All RTGs delivered. Megamax STS cranes commissioned. |
| 2018 | Project completion, commence operations. |
Figures 3 and 4: Electric CRMGs and new LED High Mast Lighting
Project Benefits
The GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration Project provides significant operational benefits to our stakeholders and customers by optimizing layout, including:
- Increased rail capacity enabling sustainable intermodal cargo growth;
- Decreased noise and greenhouse gas emissions with the introduction of modernized electric CRMGs;
- Reduced light aliasing as a result of the new energy-efficient LED lights;
- Decreased emissions due to reduced equipment travel time and low emission diesel/electric equipment; and
- Improved operational performance and management of workflow in the GCT Deltaport IY.
GCT Canada is the country’s primary Pacific Gateway. Through the GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration Project, we are sustainably delivering improved capabilties and capacity on North America’s West Coast.
Once complete, the largest mega vessels calling the tradelane will be served by the most advanced on-dock intermodal rail yard in North America. As the premier ship-to-rail terminal in the world, GCT Deltaport will boast an increased rail handling capacity 50%+, providing customers certainty on transit and dwell times, solidifing Port of Vancouver as their gateway of choice.
Watch this short video outlining the project and its benefits.
Click here to watch in Mandarin.
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