The Chamber of Shipping submitted a response to the Vancouver Fraser River Port Authority’s (VFPA) proposal to introduce wharfage on all empty containers effective May 1, 2025. The Chamber’s response opposed the application of a fee for moving empty containers and reminded the VFPA of the Minister of Transport’s Bill C-52, the Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation Act, that recently died on the order table, but recognized the need for greater transparency on how ports set their fees and guiding principles for charging port fees. A level of transparency and accountability is fundamental to ensuring that fees are fair and reasonable while ensuring that port authorities remain competitive.
The VFPA Executive will review the responses received and make recommendations to its Board of Directors. A decision is expected to be announced in mid-April 2025.
