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First-half cargo data shows Port Metro Vancouver is gaining tonnage because of the recovering economy. Overall freight increased 20 percent to 58.4 million tons compared with first-half 2009’s total. Foreign cargo climbed 19 percent to 45.5 million tons and domestic freight jumped 21 percent to 12.9 million tons.

“Signs of continued growth point to a return to 2008 pre-global economic downturn levels possibly as soon as 2011," said Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester in a prepared statement. “During a slower 2009, the port seized the opportunity to define processes and investments to improve efficiencies and capacity, and to collaborate with customers and stakeholders. Our efforts are paying off.”

Other first-half data shows container volume rose 12 percent, auto volume increased 6 percent, breakbulk volume jumped 24 percent and bulk volume soared 22 percent — primarily because of strong demand for Canadian coal and potash — on a year-over-year basis.