The Port of Vancouver is the largest port in Canada and ranks number one in total foreign exports in North America. It is a safe, year-round, all-weather, naturally deep harbour that requires no dredging. Situated on the Pacific Rim, just north of the Canada/US border, places Vancouver in a prime geographic location.
The Port of Vancouver is comprised of 25 major terminals the majority of which are centrally located in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet, with two terminals located at Roberts Bank in Delta, 35 km from Vancouver's city centre.
Fraser River Port is located at the mouth of the Fraser River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean, south of Vancouver. It offers a complete range of services at terminals equipped for container and breakbulk handling, and services for the coastal forest industry. It is also the largest autoport in Canada. The Fraser River Port Authority administers Fraser River Port.
Although bridges now span the Burrard Inlet passenger ferries still ply between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver as well as the occasional vehicle and train ferry. The presentation showed the wide spectrum of ships to be seen in the area: bulkers; tankers; containerships; car carriers; wood products ships; tugs; ferries and cruise ships. There were many shown of Princess Cruises including the older ex Cunard, Dawn Princess and Fair Princess. Also shown were Regency Cruises Regent Rainbow (ex Santa Rosa), Regent Sea, (ex Gripsholm) and Regent Star (ex Statendam), and then from old Holland America to New Holland America with pictures of Maasdam, Rotterdam and Ryndam. Another older cruise ship of interest was the Daphne built in 1955 as Port Sydney. Many photos were taken from Prospect Point and a similar position on the other side of the river depending on the time of day. There were also �aerial� pictures to remind us of our late member, Frank Miles, who spent a lot of time in Vancouver photographing ships, in particular from the Lion�s Gate bridge. Frank won many a slide competition with photographs taken from the bridge. Also of interest were older preserved ships such as the 1922 steam tug Master once owned and renovated by the Vancouver branch WSS, and a private yacht, the ex Falmouth tug St Eval. The Show ended with some naval ships, the USS Tripoli and the HMCS Winipeg.
Our thanks to Vancouver branch for compiling the show and creating a well researched commentary.