The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) has released its proposed fee schedule for 2026, as outlined in the recently published Notice of Fee Amendment. The update includes a 2.4% CPI adjustment to berthage, wharfage, and harbour dues, alongside several notable changes:
Despite broad industry opposition, the revised empty container wharfage fee was implemented on May 1, 2025. Based on the first four months of recorded activity, VFPA has generated an estimated $6.5 million in additional revenue. At the proposed 2026 rate, this fee alone is projected to yield $30 million annually, rising to $40 million by 2027.
The Chamber of Shipping and the Shipping Federation filed a formal complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) on August 18, 2025, pursuant to provisions under the Canada Marine Act. VFPA has requested an extension and is expected to submit its response by October 31, 2025.
The Chamber, alongside other industry associations, continues to advocate for legislative amendments to the Canada Marine Act that would mandate greater transparency, stakeholder consultation, and accountability in the establishment of port fees.
The full VFPA 2026 Fee Document is available on the Port’s website. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments directly to commercial_enquiries@ no later than December 7, 2025.
