Is the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia or in Washington State?

Until recently, the north-of-the-border port was called “Port Metro Vancouver.” But earlier this month, the Canadian port changed its name to simply “Port of Vancouver.”

Washington’s port, across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, remains “Port of Vancouver USA” — check out the handy graphic below:

Port of Vancouver differentiation

Port of Vancouver differentiation

Their respective web site addresses are:

Here’s the official news release from the former Port Metro Vancouver:

Port authority makes name change to provide clarity

Vancouver, B.C.: Vancouver’s port is getting a new name today, dropping Port Metro Vancouver to become the “Port of Vancouver.” In addition, the port authority will implement the consistent use of its legal name, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, when referencing activities or decisions of the port authority. The change is intended to strengthen the port’s recognition with stakeholders and customers as well as provide clarity and distinction between the activities of the port authority and those of the greater port community.

Feedback and research has indicated the use of “Port Metro Vancouver” to refer to the port and the federal port authority created confusion between activities of the port authority, port tenants and terminals, and even the regional government. Internationally, the port is already widely referenced as the Port of Vancouver in keeping with customary naming conventions for ports.

The Port of Vancouver extends from Roberts Bank and much of the Fraser River up to and including Burrard Inlet. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority remains the steward of the Port of Vancouver, formed in 2008 when three regional port authorities were amalgamated.

As a Canadian port authority, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority was established by the Government of Canada pursuant to the Canada Marine Act, and is accountable to the federal minister of transport. The port authority’s mandate is to facilitate Canada’s trade, while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

About the Port of Vancouver

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and the third largest tonnage port in North America, responsible for Canada’s trade with more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, Port of Vancouver is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Enabling the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods in 2015, the port generates an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada.