The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has begun dredging operations along the Second Narrows waterway in Burrard Inlet to accommodate deeper-draft cargo vessels calling at Trans Mountain’s Westridge Marine Terminal.
Marine contractor Fraser River Pile and Dredge is executing the project east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, with completion expected by the port authority by February 28, 2027.
Work covers less than two hectares along the edges of the navigation channel, where overlapping segments of decommissioned Metro Vancouver water mains will also be removed.
In addition, crews will install new navigation aids near the Columbia Containers transloading facility west of the bridge along the south shore of the inlet.
Commercial and recreational marine traffic will retain clear channel access throughout construction, with dredging running intermittently 24 hours a day to align with optimal tide windows. Installation of navigation aids is scheduled from Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 20:00.
Dredged material will be transported by barge and truck to an approved land-based disposal facility, while recovered boulders will be relocated for marine habitat enhancement.
According to the port authority, the undertaking aims to improve marine shipping efficiency and facilitate Canadian export expansion to non-US markets.
To minimise disruption, the contractor must direct site lighting downward and conduct higher-noise activities during daytime hours where possible.