Project Overview
A large-scale infrastructure project was undertaken in Surrey, British Columbia, to develop a modern export shipping facility dedicated to the handling of canola pellets and DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles). Designed for high-throughput rail handling, storage, and vessel loading, the terminal supports the efficient movement of bulk agricultural commodities. The facility was completed within an accelerated 8-month construction period, despite its complexity and scale.
Project Goals
The primary objective was to establish a high-capacity export terminal that could manage large volumes of product while maintaining speed, precision, and reliability. Key goals included reducing handling times, streamlining the logistics chain from rail to vessel, minimizing manual labor through automation, and building a system that could operate under continuous, high-demand conditions.
Technologies and Innovations
This facility integrates several advanced systems and technologies designed to maximize performance and operational flexibility:
- 1,000 tonnes per hour conveyance and bulk weighing systems, enabling rapid and consistent material flow.
- 22,000-ton flat storage system, offering efficient load/unload access and operational simplicity.
- Fully automated control systems to monitor and manage operations with precision and minimal human intervention.
- Specialized DDGS unloading equipment tailored for dense, high-volume materials.
- Portable conveying solutions for flexible transitions between rail-to-shed and shed-to-vessel operations.
- Direct rail-to-vessel shipping pathway, designed to cut logistics time and enhance efficiency by minimizing transfer points.
Results
Upon completion, the facility became a fully integrated node in the agricultural export network, capable of handling large-scale shipments with speed and accuracy. The system supports continuous rail unloading and vessel loading, with minimal downtime and optimized process control. The integration of automation and modular conveying equipment ensures adaptability for future operational needs and enhances long-term efficiency.
This export terminal stands as a benchmark for modern grain handling and shipping infrastructure. Through the use of high-capacity systems, intelligent automation, and adaptable design, the project not only met the growing logistical demands of the agricultural export industry but also delivered a scalable, efficient, and resilient solution for bulk commodity transfer on Canada’s west coast.
