Canada has advanced plans to expand its largest port and strengthen its international trade infrastructure by designating Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as a project of national interest. Announced by the federal government on Oct. 30, 2026, the decision supports the next steps for the proposed $5.9-billion development at the Port of Vancouver in Delta, British Columbia.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), the project proponent, will lead delivery of the terminal expansion in collaboration with federal partners and the Major Projects Office.
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is planned to add 2.4 million containers of annual capacity, increasing the Port of Vancouver’s existing container capacity by approximately 50 per cent. The additional capacity could support up to $100 billion in annual trade.
The expansion is intended to address forecast capacity constraints at a major Canadian trade gateway. Without additional capacity, the federal government estimates that shipping and transportation costs could increase by $800 million to $900 million annually, potentially beginning as early as 2031.
The project is part of the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy, which also focuses on bulk terminal and industrial land development, rail expansion and optimisation, and environmental protections.
The federal designation provides greater certainty around the remaining applicable federal regulatory authorisations while maintaining existing environmental assessment conditions. According to the government, the decision could advance the terminal’s commercial operations by up to four years, from 2039 to 2035.
The project is on a path toward a Final Investment Decision by mid-2027. The VFPA has selected TerraMarine as its preferred construction partner following a competitive procurement process.
The estimated capital cost is $5.9 billion, excluding financing costs.
During operations, RBT2 is expected to contribute approximately $3 billion annually to Canada's GDP, generate about $631 million in annual tax revenues and support approximately 17,000 jobs across supply chains.
The project also includes commitments to Indigenous participation through 27 Mutual Benefit Agreements covering training, procurement, employment and business opportunities.
Environmental measures remain part of the project framework. The federal government has committed nearly $2 billion to initiatives protecting fish and fish habitat, marine mammals, Pacific salmon and Southern Resident Killer Whales. Related measures include work with BC Ferries to reduce underwater radiated noise in Southern Resident Killer Whale habitat.
The national interest designation advances a major port infrastructure investment with implications for marine construction, transportation networks, rail logistics and supply-chain development. For contractors and infrastructure suppliers, the project represents a significant prospective construction opportunity, although its delivery timeline remains tied to investment and regulatory milestones.
For port users and Canadian businesses, the planned capacity increase is intended to improve cargo movement, reduce congestion and strengthen access to international markets. The project’s progress toward a 2027 investment decision will be an important milestone in determining the next phase of delivery.
Source: Canada Govt.
