Robin Silvester resigns as CEO of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

In a development that took industry observers by surprise, Robin Silvester today announced his resignation as President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. He is leaving after more than 14 years of leading Canada’s largest port and just weeks after the April 20 green light accorded by the Canadian federal government for a controversial massive new container terminal under severe environmental conditions.

“It is time for a new challenge for me, and to make space for a new leader at the port authority after the recent federal environmental assessment approval of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, the most significant strategic priority of the last decade,” said Silvester.

“With support from our partners, we have delivered over $1 billion of infrastructure over the last decade and a half. The port authority has a strong leadership team to lead it into the future, and I want to thank the entire port team for their contributions to our collective success.”

During Silvester’s time with the port authority, investments in the Vancouver gateway have helped drive around 40% growth in international trade through the Port of Vancouver. In addition, his leadership has been a critical part of the port authority’s initiatives in sustainability, including programs to protect the environment and enable thriving communities, stated a press release.

“I want to thank Robin Silvester for his leadership over the last 14 years,” said Judy Rogers, Chair of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Board of Directors. “Robin helped guide the port authority through a period of incredible growth and accomplishment, culminating with the recent federal environmental assessment approval of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.”

Silvester will be staying on to support a leadership transition, with more details to follow in the coming weeks. The Board of Directors will undertake a global search for a new President and CEO.

The over $3 billion RBT2 project aimed at providing 2.4 million TEUs of additional container capacity could be operational in 6-7 years assuming other regulatory steps (including approval from the British Colombia government) are completed. The federal government has indicated that the RBT2 must meet 370 environmental protection measures.

Environmental activists in the region are continuing to oppose the project which has also sparked a big conflict with GCT Terminals, operator of Deltaport, whose fourth berth alternative at the Roberts Bank site was turned down several years ago by the VFPA.