The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is seeking a new operator for the 40-acre Fraser Wharves terminal in Richmond. This project aims to expand bulk export capacity to help Canada increase trade with international markets outside the United States.
The 40-acre Fraser Wharves gap in Richmond
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is offering a brownfield site located at 13800 Steveston Highway for development and operation.. According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, this 40-acre plot represents the first major terminal opportunity available at Canada's largest port in a decade. The site is strategically positioned to leverage existing infrastructure, including a marine berth with deep-sea vessel access via the Fraser River.
Logistical connectivity is a primary selling point for the Fraser Wharves site. The property currently features nine existing on-site tracks serviced by CN rail, with further opportunities for expansion. By combining these rail assets with established road connections,the port authority aims to attract an operator capable of scaling bulk export operations quickly.
Doubling non-U.S. exports over the next decade
This terminal search is not an isolated real estate play but a component of a broader federal strategy. the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is aligning this expansion with Canadian government efforts to double the volume of exports sent to non-U.S. markets over the next ten years. This shift reflects a national priority to diversify trade dependencies and reduce the economic risks associated with over-reliance on a single trading partner.
The Port of Vancouver already serves as a critical gateway, connecting Canadian commerce to more than 170 international markets.. As reported by the port authority, over 85% of the cargo handled by the port currently supports trade beyond the U.S. border, making the Fraser Wharves development a logical extension of this existing global reach.
131 million metric tonnes and the bulk cargo surge
The demand for new capacity is driven by a significant uptick in commodity movements. The Port of Vancouver moved a record 131 million metric tonnes (MMT) of bulk cargo in 2025, a figure that underscores the port's role as North America's most diversified hub. This total includes approximately 30 MMT of grain, 27 MMT of petroleum products,and 11 MMT of potash fertilizer.
This growth is part of a larger trend , as dry bulk export volumes have climbed 12% over the last five years. This surge has been fueled by a combination of strategic infrastructure investments and a rising global appetite for high-quality Canadian commodities. By opening the Fraser Wharves site, the port authority is attempting to stay ahead of this demand curve.
The September 11, 2026, deadline for Expressions of Interest
The selection process for the new operator will be conducted in two stages. Qualified parties are invited to submit an Expression of Interest for the Richmond site before the deadline of 5 p.m. on September 11, 2026, as reported in the announcement.
Despite the detailed infrastructure specs, several key details remain unknown. The port authority has not specified which particular "bulk export opportunities" are most desired beyond the general categories of grain and potash . Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the authority is seeking a single master operator or if the 40-acre site could be partitioned for multiple specialized users. The source also does not disclose the minimum financial requirements or the expected duration of the lease agreement for the winning bidder.
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