DP World inaugurates Salish Sea Gateway to strengthen Canadian coastal trade
DP World has officially inaugurated the Salish Sea Gateway, a CAD$22 million short-sea shipping facility designed to strengthen cargo connectivity between Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
Described by the company as British Columbia’s first dedicated short-sea shipping facility, the gateway provides a marine transport corridor linking Vancouver and Nanaimo. The development integrates road, rail and marine transportation, offering businesses an alternative to traditional truck-and-ferry routes.
The facility had already begun commercial operations earlier in 2026, with its official inauguration marking a further milestone in DP World’s efforts to expand integrated logistics infrastructure across Canada’s Pacific coast.
Increased sailings and container capacity
Since the service began operating, DP World has increased sailing frequency between Vancouver and Nanaimo from one to three departures per week, improving transport options for businesses moving goods between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
The service handles a range of commodities, including forestry products, bottled water, recycled materials, machinery, equipment and retail goods.
Each voyage can accommodate up to 200 empty containers or approximately 140 to 160 loaded containers, depending on cargo weight.
The gateway is equipped with a new Liebherr mobile harbour crane, intended to improve cargo handling efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times.
Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, said the development represents an important step in improving coastal freight movements.
“By investing in dedicated marine infrastructure and increasing sailing frequency, we are improving reliability, reducing congestion, and building a more sustainable and resilient supply chain,” said Smith.
Supporting port expansion in Nanaimo
The Salish Sea Gateway also complements DP World’s ongoing expansion at Duke Point terminal in Nanaimo, where berth capacity is being doubled to support annual container throughput of approximately 280,000 TEUs.
Together, the projects are intended to strengthen cargo connections between Vancouver Island, mainland British Columbia and international trade networks.
The new shipping corridor is also designed to reduce dependence on road transport and ferry services, potentially easing congestion and supporting lower-emission freight movements.
Ian Marr, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority, highlighted the importance of the project in improving access to global markets for businesses on Vancouver Island.
According to Marr, short-sea shipping can provide benefits through reduced logistics costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and less pressure on regional road networks.
Strengthening Canada’s Pacific supply chains
The inauguration brought together representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, government officials, port authorities, customers and industry partners.
Peter Xotta, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said the new facility would strengthen supply chains moving through the Port of Vancouver and improve the ability of Canadian businesses to access international markets.
The gateway takes its name from the Coast Salish Nations and forms part of DP World’s wider strategy to develop more resilient and integrated logistics networks across Canada.
By expanding coastal shipping capacity and increasing service frequency, the project provides an additional transport option for businesses seeking to move containerised and other cargo between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
