Global design and engineering firm Arcadis has been appointed as the lead designer for the detailed design phase of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) project at the Port of Vancouver, marking a major step forward for one of Canada’s largest marine infrastructure developments.
The appointment follows the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s selection of TerraMarine as the preferred proponent for the project’s progressive design-build contract. As a core member of the TerraMarine consortium, Arcadis will lead the multidisciplinary engineering and design work needed to prepare the terminal for construction.
Once completed, Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is expected to increase the Port of Vancouver’s container handling capacity by 50%, while expanding Canada’s west coast container capacity by more than 30%. According to the project announcement, the new terminal will also support more than $100 billion in annual trade capacity, helping strengthen Canada’s supply chain and long-term economic growth.
Arcadis to Lead the Project’s Detailed Design
Arcadis will be responsible for the project’s detailed engineering and design, covering several technical disciplines required before construction begins.
The company’s scope of work includes coastal and mooring studies, geotechnical engineering, ground modeling, seismic performance assessments, marine structure design, environmental permitting support, and civil works associated with the new terminal.
Its engineering team will also design the main container wharf and berths while supporting the widening of the existing causeway that connects the terminal to the mainland. These activities are intended to ensure the future facility meets operational, environmental, and resilience requirements before construction progresses.
Rather than serving as the construction contractor, Arcadis will lead the engineering and technical design that forms the foundation for the project’s next phase.
What Is the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project?
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is a planned marine container terminal that will expand cargo handling capacity at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia.
The project is designed to accommodate future growth in international trade by improving the movement of containerized goods through Canada’s Pacific Gateway. Government and industry leaders view the terminal as a strategic investment that will help Canadian manufacturers, producers, and exporters access global markets more efficiently.
In addition to increasing container capacity, the project is expected to improve supply chain resilience and support long-term economic activity across the country.
Arcadis Will Deliver Multiple Engineering Disciplines
As lead designer, Arcadis will coordinate engineering work across several specialized areas throughout the detailed design phase. Key responsibilities include:
- Coastal engineering studies to evaluate marine conditions.
- Mooring analysis for safe vessel berthing operations.
- Geotechnical investigations and foundation engineering.
- Ground modeling and seismic performance assessments.
- Structural design of the terminal’s wharf and berths.
- Environmental permitting support.
- Civil engineering works, including land development and causeway widening.
These engineering activities will help ensure the future terminal is technically sound, climate-resilient, and ready for efficient construction.
TerraMarine Consortium and Project Partners
Arcadis is delivering the design work as part of TerraMarine, a consortium formed to deliver the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project under the progressive design-build model.
The consortium includes FlatironDragados Canada Inc., Van Oord Canada Ltd., Aecon Constructors (a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc.), Carlson Construction Group Inc., and Arcadis. Each organization brings expertise in large-scale marine construction, engineering, and infrastructure delivery.
Arcadis will also work alongside several specialist sub-consultants during the detailed design phase:
- Stantec Consulting Ltd. will support environmental planning, permitting, and Indigenous engagement.
- TYPSA Inc. will provide the structural design for the project’s concrete caissons, which will form the foundation of the terminal wharf.
- Tetra Tech Canada Inc. will contribute geotechnical engineering expertise based on its experience with major infrastructure projects across British Columbia.
The collaborative approach is intended to combine local knowledge with international engineering experience throughout the project’s development.
Why the Project Matters
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is considered one of Canada’s most significant marine infrastructure projects because of its long-term impact on trade and logistics.
As container volumes continue to grow, expanding port capacity will help reduce pressure on existing infrastructure while improving the movement of goods through Canada’s Pacific Gateway. The project is also expected to strengthen supply chain reliability and support Canadian exporters by increasing access to international markets.
Beyond its economic role, the terminal is being designed with a focus on environmental responsibility and climate resilience. Project teams will work closely with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Local First Nations, and Technical Partners to develop infrastructure that supports future trade while considering environmental and community priorities.
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Arcadis Highlights Long-Term Infrastructure Goals
In the official announcement, Arcadis described Roberts Bank Terminal 2 as one of the most important port developments currently underway in Canada.
The company said it plans to apply its experience in marine engineering, environmental planning, digital delivery, and resilient infrastructure to help deliver the detailed design phase in collaboration with TerraMarine and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Arcadis also noted that the project represents an opportunity to support Canada’s long-term economic growth by creating infrastructure capable of serving international trade for decades to come.
Looking Ahead
With the detailed design phase now underway, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project moves a step closer to construction.
Once completed, the new terminal is expected to play an important role in expanding container capacity at the Port of Vancouver, supporting Canada’s supply chain, and strengthening the country’s position in global trade.
The appointment also adds another major marine infrastructure project to Arcadis’ international portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued involvement in the design of large-scale port developments around the world.
Source & Attribution
This news article is based on the official announcement published by Arcadis on 24 July 2026.
Source: Arcadis to lead the design of Roberts Bank Terminal 2, a nation-building marine infrastructure project in British Columbia, Canada.
Author: Mark Cox, Global External Communications Manager
