Roberts Bank Terminal 2
Proponent
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA)
Sector
Transportation
Location
Delta, British Columbia
Proponent
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA)
Sector
Transportation
Location
Delta, British Columbia
Description
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) is a proposed container terminal that would increase the Port of Vancouver’s container capacity by nearly 50%. It is a key project under the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy (Gateway Strategy) that would support Canada’s growth and trade diversification objectives, including doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035.
The project is comprised of the following major components:
- A marine landmass
- Wharf structure and berth pocket
- Widened causeway
- Expanded tug basin
RBT2 is well advanced in the regulatory and project planning processes, having progressed through relevant regulatory approvals for more than a decade, including a robust environmental assessment approval process and consultations with Indigenous groups led by the project proponent – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA).
RBT2 completed a federal impact assessment in 2023, received key environmental approvals, and is pending final permits. The VFPA has 27 existing Mutual Benefit Agreements with First Nations for the Project.
RBT2 has been referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) as part of the Gateway Strategy. The MPO has initiated the process for the potential listing of RBT2 under the Building Canada Act (the Act).
The MPO is commencing consultations with potentially impacted Indigenous communities to inform the federal government’s decision on whether to list the project in the national interest under the Act.
Listing RBT2 under the Act would move the project from a lengthy approval phase into a more streamlined delivery phase by coordinating remaining permitting, reducing regulatory delays, and accelerating project execution while keeping it aligned with broader national trade corridor priorities.
Description
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) is a proposed container terminal that would increase the Port of Vancouver’s container capacity by nearly 50%. It is a key project under the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy (Gateway Strategy) that would support Canada’s growth and trade diversification objectives, including doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035.
The project is comprised of the following major components:
- A marine landmass
- Wharf structure and berth pocket
- Widened causeway
- Expanded tug basin
RBT2 is well advanced in the regulatory and project planning processes, having progressed through relevant regulatory approvals for more than a decade, including a robust environmental assessment approval process and consultations with Indigenous groups led by the project proponent – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA).
RBT2 completed a federal impact assessment in 2023, received key environmental approvals, and is pending final permits. The VFPA has 27 existing Mutual Benefit Agreements with First Nations for the Project.
RBT2 has been referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) as part of the Gateway Strategy. The MPO has initiated the process for the potential listing of RBT2 under the Building Canada Act (the Act).
The MPO is commencing consultations with potentially impacted Indigenous communities to inform the federal government’s decision on whether to list the project in the national interest under the Act.
Listing RBT2 under the Act would move the project from a lengthy approval phase into a more streamlined delivery phase by coordinating remaining permitting, reducing regulatory delays, and accelerating project execution while keeping it aligned with broader national trade corridor priorities.
Quick facts
- Development: The project would establish a three-berth marine container terminal built on 320 acres of new industrial land.
- Trade diversification: RBT2 would increase the Port of Vancouver's container capacity by nearly 50%, unlocking about $100 billion in annual trade capacity, and adding $3 billion to Canada's GDP annually.
- Job creation: RBT2 would support the creation of over 17,000 ongoing jobs across the supply chain during operations.
Benefits
- The Port of Vancouver needs more container capacity by the 2030s to avoid supply chain congestion and higher costs for Canadians. RBT2 would increase the Port’s container capacity by 50%, ensuring that prices remain low and Canadian businesses remain competitive.
- The three-berth marine container terminal would enable $100 billion of new trade capacity annually; contribute over $3 billion to Canada’s GDP per year; relieve pressure on downtown container terminals; and support over 17,000 jobs across the supply chain. These factors provide economic benefits to Canadians while strengthening the country’s autonomy, resilience, and security.
- The project has received the consent of 27 Indigenous groups who have signed Mutual Benefit Agreements with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
- Combined with development and optimization of bulk land use and rail infrastructure under the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy (Gateway Strategy), RBT2 would improve the competitiveness of the Port of Vancouver, provide it with the ability to serve the largest vessels, ensure shipping costs remain low and create efficiencies in the system – which is critical to grow Canadian trade.
Latest updates
- On July 16, 2026, the Government of Canada officially referred the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project to the MPO and initiated the process to consider listing it under the Building Canada Act. Before any decision is taken, consultations will be held with potentially impacted Indigenous communities, to inform the federal government’s decision on the project’s listing.
- As the review process advances, all steps and decisions will fully respect Canada’s obligations to consult with Indigenous Peoples and will be informed by the outcomes of that consultation.
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