DP World’s Salish Sea Gateway to Reshape BC’s Coastal Supply Chain

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – January 06, 2026 – Construction is well underway on a project poised to fundamentally alter the flow of goods across the Georgia Strait. Global logistics giant DP World is advancing its CAD$22 million short-sea shipping facility in Vancouver, a strategic investment aimed at creating a dedicated marine freight corridor between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, with operations slated to begin in mid-2026.

The project, officially named the “Salish Sea Gateway,” is designed to shift a significant volume of cargo from the region's congested truck-and-ferry system to a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly marine service. This new hub will integrate coastal trade with regional road and rail networks, providing a seamless connection to global ocean carrier services.

“As construction progresses, we are taking an important step toward strengthening the connection between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, in a recent statement. “The Salish Sea Gateway is purpose-built to expand our coastal capacity and support long-term growth across the Vancouver area. This facility will enhance reliability for our customers, create new trade opportunities, and reinforce the integrated supply chain that communities and businesses across British Columbia depend on.”

A New Artery for a Congested Strait

The current logistics network connecting Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia is heavily reliant on commercial trucks transported on BC Ferries’ passenger vessels. This system has become a persistent source of bottlenecks and uncertainty. In fiscal year 2023 alone, BC Ferries transported a record 9.4 million vehicles and 21.6 million passengers, leading to frequent sailing waits and capacity issues, particularly during peak seasons.

This over-reliance creates a fragile supply chain. Vancouver Island imports an estimated 90% of its food and other essential goods, with reports suggesting it holds only a few days' worth of stockpiles. Past disruptions from extreme weather have highlighted this vulnerability, causing shortages and significant economic strain. The Salish Sea Gateway aims to provide a crucial alternative, sidestepping the traffic snarls and seasonal constraints of the current model.

By creating a dedicated coastal trade hub, DP World intends to offer a high-frequency barge service that is less exposed to the variables of passenger ferry schedules and highway congestion. The facility will feature dedicated truck ingress and egress points and modern cargo-handling equipment, all designed to maximize speed and efficiency for shippers, importers, and exporters.

Paving a Greener Path for Coastal Freight

Beyond enhancing efficiency, the project carries significant environmental promise. By taking thousands of truck-and-ferry trips off the water and roads annually, the Salish Sea Gateway is expected to deliver a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and regional air pollutants.

Studies from independent bodies like Transport Canada and the non-profit Clear Seas validate the environmental case for short-sea shipping. Research indicates that a single marine vessel can carry the cargo equivalent of nearly 1,000 trucks while producing only a fraction of the CO2 emissions. This modal shift directly supports British Columbia’s ambitious climate targets, which call for a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, with the transportation sector being a key focus for decarbonization.

DP World’s plan incorporates this green-by-design philosophy into the facility’s operations. The project includes the use of high-capacity reach stackers and electric vehicles, supported by onsite charging infrastructure. This aligns with the company's global commitment to invest US$500 million to cut its carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

Unlocking Vancouver Island's Economic Potential

The economic implications for Vancouver Island are profound. For years, business leaders on the island have called for infrastructure improvements to enhance supply chain resilience and unlock the region's economic potential. The Salish Sea Gateway, especially when viewed in concert with another major DP World project, appears to be a direct answer to those calls.

In Nanaimo, the DP World-operated Duke Point Terminal is also undergoing a major expansion, a project backed by federal and provincial funding. This expansion is set to increase warehousing capacity and distribution capabilities on Vancouver Island. Together, the Duke Point expansion and the Salish Sea Gateway create a powerful, integrated logistics system. This synergy will provide Vancouver Island businesses with unprecedented access to North American road and rail networks and, by extension, global markets.

This enhanced connectivity is expected to lower shipping costs, improve transit times, and stimulate investment in local manufacturing and trade. For industries from construction to retail, a more reliable and efficient flow of goods means greater stability and opportunity for growth, strengthening the economic foundation of the entire coastal region.

A Nod to Heritage on a Modern Gateway

The project's name, “Salish Sea Gateway,” is a deliberate acknowledgement of the Coast Salish Nations, on whose vast, unceded traditional territories the facility is being built. The Coast Salish peoples have inhabited the Pacific Northwest Coast, including what is now the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island, for millennia. The naming reflects a growing corporate awareness of the need to recognize the Indigenous heritage of the lands on which they operate.

While the company has stated its gratitude for operating in these territories, the full extent of consultation and partnership with local First Nations such as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) on this specific project remains a point of interest for community observers. As construction continues through early 2026, the Salish Sea Gateway is set to become not only a critical piece of trade infrastructure but also a modern landmark situated within a region of deep historical and cultural significance.