Pipeline protests cripple rail and port operations across Canada
Supply chains are coming under huge pressure in Canada after close to three weeks of demonstrations led by a local tribe fighting a proposed pipeline. While some of the country is slowly getting back to normal, operations at ports and rail lines in Quebec remain deeply troubled.
According to an update from German carrier Hapag-Lloyd yesterday the blockades of key rail track and port infrastructure facilities throughout Canada continue. Hapag-Lloyd noted CP Rail tracks remain comparatively clear and the port of Prince Rupert is now clear and recovery is underway.
“The blockade in Ontario remains in place, and CN’s Eastern Canadian network is more or less shutdown. A limited number of trains are operating in the Halifax/Montreal corridor. Various options to move /divert cargo out of Halifax are being explored,” Hapag-Lloyd reported.
The protests started by indigenous communities angry at a planned gas pipeline mooted for northern British Columbia.
The port of Vancouver has reported the demonstrations have led to a growing ship backlog with 48 vessels at its anchorage as of yesterday.
Out east, the port of Montreal has warned it might have to suspend operations as containers pile up due to the rail blockades.
Passenger trains and goods transportation remain disrupted across Canada as protests against gas pipeline continue pic.twitter.com/XFtVMHuGSE
— TRT World (@trtworld) February 18, 2020
Wet’suwet’en solidarity protest happening now in front of the Environment Canada offices in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/zsVFpWBPHm
— WQMS (@HudsonBayWQMS) February 11, 2020
After a day of protests in major cities and calls by indigenous leaders for a peaceful resolution to ongoing blockades, Canada’s politicians clash over how to end crisis #wetsuweten pic.twitter.com/aZVisGlh1H
— primenews (@primeNPU) February 18, 2020