The new canola facility complements DP World’s existing expertise in bulk and breakbulk handling at Fraser Surrey. Photo credit: DP World
BRITISH COLUMBIA – DP World’s new $150 million Canola Oil Transload Facility at Fraser Surrey has begun full operations.
The facility strengthens direct connectivity between prairie farmers and international markets, and adds one million metric tonnes a year of capacity. In 2024, Canada exported 3.5 million metric tonnes of canola oil, valued at $5.9 billion. With production concentrated in Saskatchewan (55%), Alberta (29%), and Manitoba (16%), efficient rail-to-port infrastructure is vital to maintaining global competitiveness.
Oil arrives by rail from the prairies, is stored in three large-capacity tanks, and is pumped directly to ships via a dedicated underground pipeline.
“By streamlining the movement of oil from rail to vessel, this facility reduces handling, increases throughput, and improves reliability, providing Canadian producers with faster, more efficient access to global markets,” says Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “The entire operation is designed to support the growing worldwide demand for Canadian canola oil — an essential ingredient in food, fuel, and renewable products.”
The new canola facility complements DP World’s existing expertise in bulk and breakbulk handling at Fraser Surrey, where it manages a wide range of agricultural and industrial commodities including grain and steel.
Tom Hamilton, Executive Vice-President of Agribusiness Operations, Richardson International, says: “DP World’s new facility strengthens our ability to compete in global markets by enhancing both canola oil capacity and supply chain reliability. This investment streamlines the critical connection between prairie production and coastal shipping, allowing Richardson to respond to growing customer demand even further and deliver Canadian canola oil more efficiently to buyers around the world.”
Construction on the facility began in late 2023 and was completed on schedule, and it features:
Rail access: Two spur tracks for unloading, railcar offloading stations, pumps, and piping.
Storage: Three 15,000-metric-tonne capacity steel tanks (18 metres high, 37 metres in diameter), including containment walls for environmental protection.
Pipeline: Underground transmission and recycle line connecting the storage tanks directly to the marine trestle.
Marine access: New trestle and vessel loading platform with a marine loading arm and upgraded berthing safety features.
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