RiverFlow partnership to maintain navigation channel in Canada’s Fraser River
FRPD and Van Oord have joined forces to create RiverFlow Dredging, a new partnership that will ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels along the Fraser River, one of Canada’s most important trade arteries.
RiverFlow Dredging has entered into a long-term agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to provide maintenance dredging services for the Fraser River navigation channel. This partnership will ensure safe access for marine traffic to the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port.
Each year, 3.0 to 4.5 million cubic metres of sediment is dredged from the Fraser River South Arm deep-sea channel, including the berths and approaches to DP World Fraser Surrey marine terminal, to maintain navigable depths for deep-sea vessels.
RiverFlow is committed to an inclusive and environmentally responsible program that respects all communities that depend on the Fraser River—including Indigenous groups, residents and recreational users. Dredging operations will be powered by biofuels to reduce carbon emissions and will strictly follow marine mammal protection zones and non-dredging windows to safeguard the environment..
About FRPD
FRPD has operated in the lower reaches of the Fraser River for more than 100 years and has performed maintenance dredging on the BC coast for more than 40 years.
“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.”
Sarah Clark, President and CEO, FRPD
About Royal Van Oord
Royal Van Oord is a Dutch family-owned marine contractor with over 155 years of international experience in energy transition, climate adaptation and marine biodiversity. Van Oord employs 6,000 staff from 90 nationalities, operating on around 200 projects in 40 countries annually.
“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.”
August Runge, Director Dredging & Infrastructure, Van Oord
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the Port of Vancouver, which moves $350 billion in trade annually and supports 132,400 jobs across Canada. Its mission is to enable Canada’s trade while protecting the environment and supporting local communities.
“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. 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.”
Sean Baxter, Director, Marine Operations & Harbour Master, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority