Container gateway · Canada
Port of Vancouver
Vancouver is a container gateway on the Pacific Ocean in Canada (North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Canada
- UN/LOCODE
- CAVAN
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific
- Waters
- Pacific Ocean
- Coordinates
- 49.29°N, 123.10°W
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 6,670 nm
About the port of Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and its main gateway for trade with Asia, with rail connections across Canada and to the US Midwest.
Vancouver is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
The transpacific trade to the US West Coast, Canada and Mexico’s Pacific ports is one of Vietnam’s largest export lanes, with many direct services from Cai Mep and some from Lach Huyen.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Vancouver | 6,670 | 16–19 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For Canada, advance commercial information (ACI eManifest) must be transmitted before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Canada that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: CPTPP. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Vancouver
Where is the port of Vancouver?
Vancouver is in Canada, on the Pacific Ocean, in the North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Vancouver?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Vancouver is CAVAN. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Vancouver?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 6,670 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 16–19 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Vancouver?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Vancouver?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Vancouver through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.