Vancouver Bulk Terminal and global soda ash supplier Solvay are teaming up to redevelop Terminal 2, Berth 7 at the Port of Vancouver USA, the port said Oct. 11.
Work is expected to start next year on a modern, reimagined facility that would be able to handle more than 2.5 million tons of soda ash and put the port in position to be a major outlet for soda ash exports.
The added capacity would also support Solvay’s plans to expand soda ash operations in Wyoming, the company said.
“Not only is soda ash a critical commodity for a vibrant economy, it’s essential for manufacturing of the lithium ion batteries that power EVs and the glass panels used in the solar industry,” the port’s Chief Commercial Officer, Alex Strogen, said. “This partnership with the port, Vancouver Bulk Terminal and Solvay equates to more jobs here locally and more economic diversity for the port and therefore the Vancouver community in the years ahead.”
The project, anticipated to be complete by early 2026, calls for Terminal 2 to be built for handling and storing bulk soda ash in a more efficient, sustainable way. VBT’s plans include enhanced rail service, new enclosed storage and conveyance and a new ship loader design, according to the port.
“After working with the port to execute a 30-year lease, we are very excited to take the next step in our plans to modernize the terminal and provide an efficient long-term gateway for Solvay to reach the global marketplace with a key component needed for numerous green economy products,” Brian Johnson, a director of Vancouver Bulk Terminals and chief commercial officer at Nautilus International Holding Corp., said.
