Vancouver’s location on the shores of the Pacific Ocean has made it an important hub for marine industries. With a rich history of marine transportation, Vancouver is a stunning city that has plenty of marine trivia. HUB Marine Insurance would love to share some interesting marine facts about our beautiful city that just might surprise you.
Vancouver is home to Canada’s largest port. The Port of Vancouver is the largest port in Canada and one of the busiest ports in North America. It handles over $200 billion worth of goods annually and is responsible for over 115,000 jobs in the region. The port is a crucial gateway for trade between Asia and North America, and it plays a significant role in the Canadian economy.
Vancouver’s waters are home to over 20,000 marine species. The waters around Vancouver are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and whale watching. Some of the marine species you can find in Vancouver’s waters include humpback whales, orcas, pacific salmon, sea lions, and seals.
Vancouver is home to the world’s largest floating gas station. Located in the Port of Vancouver, the Chevron fuel station is the largest floating gas station in the world. The station serves ships and boats that require fuel, and it can supply up to 30,000 litres of fuel per minute. This barge has been refueling ships for over 80 years! Check our our blog on fulling procedures at this unique spot for more: https://hubmarine.ca/fueling-procedures/
.
Vancouver has a long history of shipbuilding. Vancouver’s shipbuilding industry dates back to the late 1800s, and it played a crucial role in the city’s growth and development. During World War II, it was said that you could cross from one end of Burrard Dry Dock to the other – over 500m – without touching the ground, by scrambling over the many vessels simultaneously being finished. Construction was swift – during 1942 and 1943, it took about 100 days to finish each ship. Today, the shipbuilding industry in Vancouver is still thriving, with several shipyards and marine manufacturers located in the region.
Vancouver has a unique marine ecosystem. Vancouver’s marine ecosystem is unique because it is located at the confluence of two ocean currents, the cold Alaskan current, and the warm North Pacific current. This unique combination of currents creates a diverse and rich marine ecosystem, which is home to many different species of fish and marine mammals. Deep fjords, inlets, and island groups like the Broughton Archipelago create sheltered waters and funnel tidal currents to create a wide variety of habitats. Offshore, continental shelfs and seamounts force nutrient-rich water up from the depths, supporting dense concentrations of marine life.
Vancouver is home to an award winning seaplane base. Located in Vancouver Harbour, the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is one of the largest, best-designed seaplane bases in the world. It serves as a hub for seaplane operators in the region, and it offers flights to destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The facility boasts a number of innovative design features, such as a self-contained, state-of-the-art secure fueling system, environmentally-friendly floating docks, and a fully-accessible public glass elevator to allow people to transfer from the lower level of the famous Vancouver Seawall to the upper level at Jack Poole Plaza. The VHFC won an international MARKET interior design award for hospitality interiors in 2013 (MCM Design).
.
Vancouver’s waterfront is a popular filming location. Vancouver’s stunning waterfront has been the backdrop for many movies and TV shows over the years. Some of the most famous productions filmed in Vancouver include “Deadpool,” “Fifty Shades of Grey,” and “The X-Files.”
The popular post-apocalyptic HBO series The Last of Us will be filming its second season in Vancouver, and could feature Vancouver’s stunning shores – the HUB team are excited to find out!
Vancouver has a thriving cruise industry. Vancouver is a popular destination for cruise ships, with over one million passengers passing through the Port of Vancouver each year. Vancouver is a gateway to Alaska, and many cruise ships departing from the city take passengers on scenic voyages through the Inside Passage.
Vancouver’s marine facts are just as fascinating as the city itself. From its thriving port and shipbuilding industry to its unique marine ecosystem and stunning waterfront, Vancouver’s connection to the ocean is an essential part of its history and identity. If you’re a boat or marine business operator, it’s worth taking note of Vancouver’s importance in the industry and the unique risks that come with it. For help navigating your risk portfolio, reach out to HUB Marine’s Personal or Commercial team, today: https://hubmarine.ca/#contact-info