Trans Mountain decision deadline extended to June 18
The Federal government has extended its deadline to decide the future of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to June 18. The decision to push the deadline back has reportedly been brought on by Indigenous groups telling the government that they need addition time for consultations.
Maritime information system testing with Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced $877,838 for the Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council to participate in a pilot project to develop, test, and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system. This national system is a key component of the Oceans Protection Plan's Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness (EMSA) Initiative. The web-based system will display a range of valuable near real-time maritime information, including data on vessel traffic, weather, and marine protected areas. As one of 10 Indigenous organizations across Canada participating in the pilot project under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council will test, provide feedback, and apply their local, traditional knowledge to improve and develop the system.
BC Governments supports tanker ban
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, issued a statement with respect to the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications hearings on Bill C-48. His statement is expressly against the expansion of the movement of heavy oil through BC's coastal waters, with arguments that BC residents value the environment, and the risk of an oil spill is too high. He notes that more investment is needed in marine oil spill preparedness and response to ensure that a potential spill would be dealt with effectively, and the measures may need to go beyond what has been laid out in the Oceans Protection Plan.
New Brunswick Southern Railway guilty in TDG violations
Transport Canada has charged New Brunswick Southern Railway with 24 counts of violating the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, including 12 counts for failing to create proper shipping documents for the purpose of transporting petroleum crude oil; and, 12 counts for having unqualified personnel offering dangerous goods (crude oil) for transport. These charges follow an investigation into the accident in Lac-Mégantic. New Brunswick Southern Railway has agreed to pay $10,000.00 in fines with $40,000 to be invested in improving the safety of the transportation of dangerous goods in Canada.
New funding opportunities for clean tech
Transport Canada has initiated its second call for proposals under the Clean Transportation System – Research and Development program. Over the next three years, the government is investing $1.5 million to developing innovative clean technologies to improve the environmental performance of Canada's transportation system specifically in the marine, rail and aviation sectors. Recipients have until May 8, 2019 to submit their application. Funding is aimed at advancing knowledge and technology innovation that contribute to reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
Malcolmson new marine debris protection advisor
Premier John Horgan has appointed Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo, as minister's special advisor to George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on marine debris protection. Her responsibility will be to develop recommendations for a provincial action plan, in collaboration with the federal government, to eliminate the environmental threats caused by derelict vessels. This could include boat licensing, a recycling program boats and marine infrastructure, identifying best practices, and an action plan to curb the disposal of plastics in the marine environment.
Hupman named Marine Atlantic CEO
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, has appointed Murray Hupman as President and Chief Executive Officer of Marine Atlantic Inc. for a term of five years. Murray Hupman holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a Master's Certificate in Project Management. He has occupied various positions at Marine Atlantic Inc. in past years and has been the Vice-President of Operations since 2011. He has gained board experience with the Chamber of Commerce of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the Port aux Basques Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Ferry Operators Association.
APM Terminals launches the Gothenburg Gateway
APM Terminals Gothenburg has launched The Gothenburg Gateway, a new concept in Swedish logistics. The system combines fast, efficient freight trains, an efficient container port that loads between trains and ships, and more ocean-going vessels calling the port. It is designed to ensure that a container placed on a freight train anywhere in Sweden will be loaded onto a large ocean-going vessel within 48 hours. The approach is expected to reduce the transit time to Shanghai by at least a week.
Singapore threatens jail time for 2020 infractions
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has stated that masters and owners of vessels that exceed the 0.5% sulphur cap after January 1, 2020 could face up to two years in prison. Failing to use an approved abatement technology such as a scrubber, alternative fuel or compliant fuel will result in non-compliance. The authority will inspect both Singapore-registered ships as well as foreign-flagged vessels visiting the port and employ fuel-testing service providers for detailed laboratory analysis of fuel samples. It will also deploy electronic systems for ships to declare their method of compliance before arrival. Along with other nations, Singapore already banned open-loop scrubbers from discharging washwater, the waste liquid containing impurities after airborne sulphur emissions have been removed.
Sulphur sniffing drone starts patrolling Danish waters
The Danish Maritime Authority is another country taking enforcement to another level. Using a drone provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency, ship emissions will be randomly tested for sulphur content. The readings from the drone will be immediately transmitted to Danish authorities who will follow up with ship if the readings indicate a level of non-compliance. The project will contribute to a more efficient enforcement of the sulphur rules, ensuring fair competition for shipping companies and less pollution from ships. The drone will operate in an area north of The Great Belt, where many large tankers pass when going to and from the Baltic Sea.
Port of Nanaimo opens first Vehicle Processing Centre in Western Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada has welcomed its first official delivery of vehicles through the newly opened Vehicle Processing Centre (VPC) in Nanaimo. It is the first and only Western Canadian entry point for European automobiles. This new all water approach for importers establishes new cost-effective and environmentally responsible supply chain options for the West Coast of Canada. The processing centre was developed in partnership with Transport Canada, Western Stevedoring, the Auto Division of SSA Marine, and BCVPC.
Laurentian Pilotage Authority joins Green Marine
The Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA) has joined Green Marine, notably, as the first marine pilotage authority in Canada to join the environmental certification program as a participant. The LPA was already a Green Marine partner but wanted to become a participant so that the Authority's vessels could be certified.
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