The Port of Vancouver has completed a centralised scheduling system that gives marine terminals at least 96 hours' notice of container ship arrivals, reported New York's Journal of Commerce.

The system, introduced by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, coordinates five types of vessels calling at 29 terminals across three districts. Officials said it will improve labour and equipment planning to manage import surges.

Gord Cooper of the Fraser River Pilots Committee noted the port's unique navigational challenges, including confined waters and shifting river flows.

Harbour master Sean Baxter said the system provides 450 stakeholders with a port-wide view of vessel arrivals. He added it will help optimise vessel speeds, improve visibility for terminal operators and assist Canadian National Railway in managing train movements over the Second Narrows Rail Bridge.

Mr Baxter said the initiative will help the port handle seasonal cargo surges tied to the pre-Lunar New Year and holiday shipping periods.