---

The Port of Prince Rupert, Canada, has confirmed that it is looking at the possibility of developing a bunkering facility, local media reports.

"As the port seeks to grow and diversify its cargoes, we have discussed the possibility of providing bunkering services for vessels," the port's communications manager, Michael Gurney, was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

"The provision of this service would make Prince Rupert a more attractive shipping gateway. In fact, the absence of the capability is a significant disadvantage and remains a service gap impacting the efficiency of the gateway," Gurney remarked.

Gurney explained that "multiple discussions" have been held with parties over the past few years regarding how the port could develop a marine fuels facility.

"Any such solution would, of course, be required to undergo an environmental assessment to fully understand and mitigate potential risks," he remarked.

Currently, the loading of bunkers and bulk oils at Prince Rupert is only permitted alongside a berth or, if this is not possible, at an inner harbour anchorage.

British Columbia firm Marine Petrobulk carries out deliveries of marine gas oil (MGO) by truck at the port.

Current facilities

The key locations at Prince Rupert are: Fairview Container Terminal, Fairview Harbour, the BC Ferries Terminal, Westview Wood Pellet Terminal, Northland Cruise Terminal, Rushbrook Harbour, Prince Rupert Grain Terminal, Ridley Coal Terminal and Ridley Project Cargo Facility.

Fairview Container Terminal is a 24-hectare (59 acre) facility that is the first dedicated intermodal (ship-to-rail) container terminal in North America.

Fairview Harbour has an open moorage that is able to accommodate around 250 vessels and has shore power available at all berths.

Prince Rupert's BC Ferries Terminal is served by the Northern Expedition vessel on a route extending from Port Hardy to Haida Gwaii.

Westview Wood Pellet Terminal is the first purpose-built wood pellet export facility in North America. The facility has an annual capacity to ship 1.25 million tonnes of wood pellets annually to world markets for use in power generation.

Northland Cruise Terminal can accommodate vessels of up to 300 meters in length and 15 metres in draft.

Rushbrook Harbour has an open moorage that is able to accommodate around 280 vessels and has shore power available at all berths.

Prince Rupert Grain Terminal has the capacity to ship in excess of seven million tonnes a year. The facility has the highest throughput of any grain-cleaning elevator in Canada.

Ridley Coal Terminal loads metallurgical coal, thermal coal and petroleum coke at a rate of 9,000 tonnes per hour.

The Ridley Project Cargo Facility is designed to accommodate the transfer of non-containerized goods from barge to rail.

Rise in cruise ship calls

In March, Prince Rupert Port Authority said that 2017 will see a more than 100 percent increase in the number of ships visiting the port compared to last year.

A total of 25 vessels are scheduled to dock at Prince Rupert's Northland Cruise Terminal in 2017, representing the city's biggest cruise season since 2011.

Amongst the cruise lines calling at the port this year is Seabourn Cruise Line, which is returning to Alaska for the first time in 15 years. Norwegian Cruise Line is back in Prince Rupert for the first time since 2011; Crystal Cruises will return to Prince Rupert for three calls in 2017; Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to sail the Seven Seas Mariner into Prince Rupert's harbour for two calls, and Ponant's Le Boreal is due to make one of the last calls of the season in September.

Image: Fairview Container Terminal at Prince Rupert, Canada.