Union Pacific Corp. (UP) on Aug. 8 reported record potash shipment volumes in the second quarter, led by increased shipments to Canpotex Ltd.’s Port of Portland Terminal 5, which recently completed a $150 million expansion. The expansion has allowed the terminal to receive more than a dozen unit trains per month, each comprising 188 carloads of potash, UP said.
“I’m proud of the collaboration and communication across Union Pacific and with Canpotex to not only meet, but exceed expectations with this volume increase, ensuring all resources were lined up to handle the additional business,” said Beth Steele, UP General Director, Marketing and Sales. “We’re looking forward to more opportunities with Canpotex as we grow together through operational excellence.”
UP said the increase in shipment volumes also involved coordination with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC), as Union Pacific interchanges with CPKC at Eastport, Idaho, and transports the unit trains to Portland via Hinkle, Ore.
Canpotex annually supplies more than 13 million mt of potash to 40 countries overseas, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Approximately 20% of those exports go through the Port of Portland.
“Reliability is critical for potash shipments. Our customers count on Canpotex to deliver the high-quality potash they need to improve crops and grow food,” said Vinesh Kohli, Canpotex Senior Vice President, Operations. “Partners like Union Pacific have an important role in Canpotex’s supply chain that makes global food security possible.”
Canpotex on July 22 reported that it is fully committed on volumes for potash sales through Sept. 30, 2024, “due to continued strong demand for potash and widespread engagement” in all major offshore markets. “This demand and engagement is supported by solid fundamentals for agricultural commodities, as well as recognition of the clear value and affordability of potash in key growing regions,” the company said.