Canadian Ports: Trends and Opportunities

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of the development of Canadian ports, with a particular focus on the impact of the container trade. The goal is to highlight the international context within which Canadian port development occurs and identify the attributes for port success in our dynamic global trade environment. The paper begins with a discussion of the growth and extent of the container industry and the impact on trade corridors, as considered from the perspective of ports and intermodal systems. Opportunities for Canadian ports to serve the growing North American container trade are outlined, and the paper concludes with an overview of the key elements crucial for the success of Canadian ports.