We have received the following update in regards to the effect on rail and port operations in British Columbia from Hapag Lloyd:
Rail operations are currently suspended in BC wildfire areas. Both CN Rail and CP Rail main lines are again shutdown due to new wildfires that crossed both railways 6 miles east of Lytton, BC. The BC Wildfire Service has requested CP/CN temporarily suspend operations in the affected area. Several of the fires are east of Lytton BC and in a number of areas, the fires are near mainline rail tracks. For the safety of rail crews, trains between Kamloops and Lytton, BC are not running. At this time, we have no estimate on when CP/CN will be authorized to operate trains.
CP Rail (CPR):
- CPR mainline in British Columbia near Lytton is currently closed due to new wildfires.
- CP Edmonton – No empties/loads accepted bound to Delta Port.
- Acceptance of Export loads and empties destined to Ports in Vancouver continue to be restricted and will be reviewed on a case by case.
CN Rail (CNR):
- The CNR mainline outage in British Columbia near Lytton remains in place.
- Current gate restrictions for Intermodal traffic to Vancouver and BC South are still in effect.
Port Terminals (Vancouver):
- Port terminals in Vancouver remain congested and working at limited capacity due to rail/fire situation.
- GCT Delta Port outbound rail has temporarily ceased. Rail cargo dwell times will be above normal levels.
- GCT Delta Port berth congestion continues to impact vessel operations and schedules. As a result, on-going delays to scheduled vessels arrivals are anticipated.
We will continue to keep you posted of any further developments. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
For more information, please call Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1308.