Sarah Clark

NEWS RELEASE 

RiverFlow, a partnership between FRPD and Van Oord, to maintain navigation channel in Canada’s Fraser River 

Vancouver, Canada, 25 September 2025 – Fraser River Pile and Dredge (FRPD) and Van Oord announce that their newly formed partnership, RiverFlow Dredging (RiverFlow), has entered into a long-term agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to provide maintenance dredging services for the Fraser River navigation channel. The partnership will ensure safe access for marine traffic to the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port.

The Fraser River is a critical transport artery for local and national supply chains in Canada. RiverFlow’s scope of work encompasses annual maintenance dredging of the Fraser River South Arm deep-sea channel, including the berths and approaches to the DP World Fraser Surrey marine terminal. Approximately 3.0 to 4.5 million cubic metres of sediment will be dredged annually to keep the river navigable for deep-sea vessels.

Inclusive dredging program

RiverFlow is committed to an inclusive and environmentally responsible dredging program that respects and considers all the communities that depend on the health of the Fraser River and its surroundings, including Indigenous groups, recreational users, and residents. The works will also be carried out in an environmentally conscious manner, incorporating best management practices for dredging operations. For example, the equipment used for dredging will be powered by biofuels to help reduce carbon emission intensity, and dredging activities will adhere strictly to marine mammal protection zones and non-dredging windows to safeguard the environment.

Sarah Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, FRPD: “Working in partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and with Van Oord through RiverFlow, FRPD is thrilled to continue its role in ensuring the Fraser River is well-maintained to enable our supply chain and in support of all river users. Combining our local knowledge and dredging expertise with Van Oord’s international dredging expertise will ensure that the river is maintained to the high standard required for the efficient flow of cargo.”

August Runge, Director Dredging & Infra, Van Oord: “This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Van Oord’s presence in Canada. Together with FRPD, we are combining over a century of dredging expertise to ensure safe and efficient access to one of Canada’s most vital waterways.”

Sean Baxter, Director, Marine Operations and Harbour Master, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority: “Ensuring cargo moves safely and efficiently to and from Port of Vancouver terminals is essential for Canadian goods and commodities to reach international markets, and for Canada to access critical imports. With over $100 billion worth of international trade flowing through the Fraser River annually, maintenance dredging is integral to safe marine operations along this vital trade corridor for the port, British Columbia, and Canada. The port authority is pleased to partner with RiverFlow for the delivery of annual maintenance dredging activities on the Fraser River, beginning in 2026. Our long-standing relationship with FRPD – now forming the joint venture RiverFlow – will ensure this work continues to be carried out safely, efficiently, and with respect for the environment, and local First Nations and communities, over the coming years.”

About FRPD

FRPD is a Canadian company which has been operating in the lower reaches of the Fraser River for more than 100 years and has undertaken dredging works on B.C.’s West Coast, including maintenance dredging of the Fraser River Channel, for more than 40 years.

About Royal Van Oord 

Royal Van Oord is a Dutch family-owned company with more than 155 years of experience as an international marine contractor. Its focus is on energy transition, climate adaptation and marine biodiversity, aiming to contribute to a better world for future generations. Van Oord employs more than 6,000 FTEs with 90 different nationalities, who work on around 200 projects across 40 countries on an annual basis. Our fleet of main equipment consists of approximately 60 vessels as well as a substantial inventory of special-purpose and auxiliary equipment.

About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority 

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. This includes overseeing the use of lands and waters within the port’s boundaries, which border 16 municipalities and intersect the traditional territories and treaty lands of more than 35 Coast Salish First Nations. Moving $350 billion in trade every year and connecting Canada with more than 170 countries, port activities support 132,400 jobs, $9.3 billion in wages, and $16.3 billion in GDP across Canada. The port authority’s purpose is to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver by being reliable and innovative, while protecting the environment.

For more information: 

Please contact Sarah Clark, P.Eng, President and Chief Executive Officer: sclark@frpd.com