FWS Group was commissioned by Fraser Grain Terminal (FGT) to design, build, and deliver a modern grain terminal on the north shore of the Fraser River in Surrey, BC. This project was initiated to address the limitations posed by restricted rail capacity and inadequate port facilities in western Canada, which hindered the efficient transport of Canadian-grown grain to international markets. The new terminal aims to enhance the grain export infrastructure, benefiting farmers by improving logistics and increasing the capacity to ship grains overseas, while also fostering stronger relationships with global customers.

The facility was built with an impressive storage capacity, including 73,000 metric tonnes of grain in above-ground steel bins and an additional 20,000 metric tonnes of flat storage. The terminal’s rail system, featuring a semi-loop track and holding space for over 300 railcars, ensures seamless operations, allowing for continuous inbound and outbound flow of grain. Designed to accommodate up to 80 bulk vessels annually—including Panamax, Supramax, and Handymax ships—the facility is equipped with a sophisticated, three-tower retractable ship loader system, which enhances loading efficiency and reduces environmental impacts.

The scope of work for this integrated design and construction project included the following key components:

• Rail unloading station and transfer tower: Equipped with a fully enclosed conveying system and integrated dust suppression technology to minimize particulate emissions.
• Fixed three-tower ship loader: Designed with choke and cascade-type telescopic spouts to reduce dust during vessel loading, ensuring environmentally responsible operations.
• Realignment and extension of rail tracks: Modified to create three holding tracks northeast of the main grain facility, servicing multiple rail networks including CN, CP, BNSF, and SRY, ensuring optimal connectivity for import/export operations.
• Administration building, maintenance shop, and electrical rooms: Constructed to support the operational, maintenance, and technical needs of the facility.
• New vehicle access road: Built to provide a direct route between the terminal site and Robson Road, improving vehicular accessibility to the facility.

This combination of advanced infrastructure and thoughtful design has resulted in a highly efficient, sustainable facility capable of significantly increasing Canada’s grain export capacity.