This strategic partnership at the Port of Vancouver USA represents a substantial expansion of global export capacity in the world’s fastest-growing soda ash production region.
Solvay, a global leader in the soda ash market, and Vancouver Bulk Terminal, a bulk commodity shipping and logistics expert, announced today a strategic partnership to collaborate on the redevelopment of Terminal 2, Berth 7 at the Port of Vancouver USA, in Washington state.
Reconstruction is set to begin in 2024 and expected to be completed by early 2026. The facility is poised to become a key global outlet for the export of soda ash from North America emphasizing design, efficiency, and sustainability through the combined expertise and capabilities of Vancouver Bulk Terminal (VBT), the Port of Vancouver USA, and Solvay.
The newly designed terminal will have the capability to annually process more than 2.5 million tons of soda ash. The expanded capacity will support the previously announced expansion of Solvay's Green River, Wyoming soda ash operations. The terminal will also add crucial export capacity to the North American soda ash industry, which is recognized as the world's fastest-growing soda ash producing region.
Both companies and the port are enthusiastic about the partnership’s potential impact on the soda ash sector and the broader economy.
"We are excited to work with Vancouver Bulk Terminal and the Port of Vancouver to develop a state-of-the-art facility that will allow Solvay to serve our international customers sustainably for the foreseeable future,” said Brian Kebart, President of Solvay American Soda.
With custom-built infrastructure, Terminal 2 is tailored for bulk soda ash storage and handling, enhancing international trade and implementing innovative solutions to reduce the port’s ecological footprint. VBT’s plans include improved rail service, all new enclosed storage and conveyance, and a modern efficient ship loader design.
Brian Johnson, a Director of Vancouver Bulk Terminals and Chief Commercial Officer at Nautilus International Holding Corporation, added, “After working with the port to execute a 30-year lease, we are very excited to take the next step in our plans to modernize the terminal and provide an efficient long-term gateway for Solvay to reach the global marketplace with a key component needed for numerous green economy products.”
Furthermore, Terminal 2’s construction and ongoing operation will create jobs within the local community and encourage economic growth.
“The Port of Vancouver USA is incredibly excited to welcome Solvay to the port and grow our role as a leading ‘green energy gateway’ on the U.S. West Coast. Not only is soda ash a critical commodity for a vibrant economy, it’s essential for manufacturing lithium ion batteries that power EV’s and the glass panels used in the solar industry,” said Alex Strogen, Chief Commercial Officer for the Port of Vancouver USA. “This partnership with the port, Vancouver Bulk Terminal and Solvay equates to more jobs here locally, and more economic diversity for the port and therefore the Vancouver community in the years ahead.”
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Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 22,000 employees in 61 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet roadmap crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering a better life. The Group’s innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world’s top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of €13.4 billion in 2022. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). Learn more at www.solvay.com.
Solvay Soda Ash & Derivatives is a global business division of Solvay. As a world leader in its markets, it provides a global, secured and sustainable supply of soda ash to its customers manufacturing glass for building, automotive, solar panels and packaging applications, as well as detergents and chemicals. It also develops solutions based on sodium bicarbonate for the health care, food, animal feed and flue gas cleaning markets. Solvay Soda Ash & Derivatives has 11 industrial sites worldwide, more than 3,200 employees and serves 120 countries.
Vancouver Bulk Terminal was established in 2023 as a joint venture between Nautilus International Holding Corporation and Neltume Ports with the vision of establishing growth and environmental responsibility to the Port of Vancouver, USA's Dry Bulk Export Dock. Capable of handling a broad range of heavy mineral bulk commodities, VBT operates with speed, efficiency and safety always top of mind. Learn more at https://vbt-llc.com/.
Vancouver Bulk Terminals Press Office
Strategically located at a major nexus of ocean and river shipping lanes, two interstate highways, and a continent-spanning rail network, the Port of Vancouver USA is a dynamic hub of global trade and the multipurpose port authority for Vancouver, Washington. Established in 1912, the Port of Vancouver USA is a leader in marine and industrial business. The ideal gateway for connecting Asia and South America to the US midcontinent and Canada, the port handles more than 7 million tons of cargo each year, including wheat, mineral and liquid bulks, vehicles, and a broad range of project cargo for more than 50 industrial tenants. Whether through creating jobs, taking a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, or creating a new destination waterfront, the Port of Vancouver USA takes the long view and an optimistic approach to our work. We are always thinking ahead and finding ways to help the Vancouver community open doors, put people to work, and connect to what’s possible. https://www.portvanusa.com/
Port of Vancouver USA Press Office
