Alberta Proposes Oil Terminal at Roberts Bank in British Columbia
The Alberta government has proposed an oil terminal at Roberts Bank in British Columbia as part of the West Coast pipeline project. The site, which is currently used for coal exports and container handling, would be home to about 6.5 million barrels of oil storage capacity and two deepwater berths able to load very large crude carriers.
The proposal has been assessed by the federal Major Projects Office for potential fast-tracking as a project of national interest. Bonnie Gee, president of B.C.'s Chamber of Shipping, believes that increased marine traffic can be managed safely while supporting Canada's economic and energy objectives.
Gee points to Canada's oil tanker safety system, which has not had an oil tanker spill in over 50 years. The system includes mandatory double hulls, two licensed local marine pilots on board at all times, and dedicated tug escorts to guide tankers in and out of port.