The Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) has opened and already received its first global multi-purpose shipping company, Singapore-based AAL, which is opening a new Vancouver office.

"Within just a few months, the Vancouver International Maritime Centre has already begun to attract international shipping companies to Vancouver," said provincial Finance Minister Michael de Jong.

The development comes as the province of British Columbia has partnered with the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada and is investing up to C$3 million (US$2.27 million) over three years to revitalise the VIMC to attract new investment and strengthen the province's shipping industry.

VIMC promotes Vancouver as a location for international shipping companies on the west coast of North America, and assists interested companies in developing their corporate operations on the Pacific Corridor.