THE Port of Prince Rupert, nearly 500 miles north of Vancouver, posted a 120 per cent volume increase in March to 52,283 TEU year on year with the addition of two new services last year.
    Imports increased 138 per cent and exports were up 100 per cent, the port authority. Prince Rupert's year-to-date volume increased 95 per cent with imports increasing 98 per cent and exports up 92 per cent against 2011 first quarter results.
    Box volumes also increased at Vancouver, with container throughput up 10.5 per cent year to date. Imports increased 11 per cent and exports were up 9.6 per cent over the same period against 2011 first quarter results.
    Prince Rupert attracted weekly services in May 2011 by China Ocean Shipping Co. and Hanjin Shipping, which doubled the weekly transpacific services calling at Prince Rupert to four.

(source:shipping online)