Trans Mountain has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator to use drag-reducing agents to increase oil throughput on its pipeline system between Alberta and British Columbia. The $9-million project aims to raise capacity by up to 10 per cent, with construction expected to begin in August and operations potentially starting in January 2027. The timeline was accelerated as Alberta oil production grows and existing export pipelines approach capacity. Trans Mountain stated the project would not increase vessel traffic at the Westridge Marine Terminal beyond levels already assessed for the expansion. The company is also assessing additional options, including new pumping stations, that could add up to 360,000 barrels per day within five years. The expanded twin pipeline currently has a capacity of about 890,000 barrels per day.

Metallurgical coal featured prominently in discussions on critical minerals at the BC Natural Resources Forum, with industry leaders arguing it remains essential for steelmaking and the clean energy transition. Speakers noted that while Europe and the United States recognize metallurgical coal as a critical mineral, it is not included on Canada’s federal list. The sector underpins the production of steel used in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and transit systems. In 2024, metallurgical coal was BC’s largest export, valued at $10.3 billion, with most production destined for overseas markets. Industry representatives called for greater public and government recognition of its economic and strategic importance, alongside continued high environmental standards.

The Metlakatla First Nation has withdrawn its support for the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility, escalating a dispute with the Prince Rupert Port Authority over export rights on Ridley Island. The $1.35-billion project, led by AltaGas and Vopak, is under construction and aims to export propane and butane to Asia by late 2026. Metlakatla argues the port authority granted Vopak an export monopoly that blocks the First Nation and its partners at Trigon Pacific Terminals from diversifying into similar commodities. The First Nation has notified federal and provincial regulators that it no longer consents to the project and may oppose future permits. AltaGas and the port authority dispute the claims, while related lawsuits over consultation and commercial rights are already before the BC Supreme Court.

The 2026 WESTAC Compass Report has been released, offering an evidence-based snapshot of how Canada’s transportation sector is evolving. Based on input from senior leaders across business, labour, and government, the report finds the system is operating more steadily than in recent years. US trade uncertainty and protectionism emerged as the top challenges, replacing the acute disruptions seen previously. While near-term stability has improved, longer-term concerns remain around competitiveness, reliability, and resilience. The report also examines trade diversification prospects, interprovincial barriers, and priorities for federal infrastructure funding.

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has dismissed the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s attempt to strike a lawsuit brought by Metlakatla First Nation over a gas export terminal on Ridley Island. The port authority argued the case was an improper challenge to federal approval of the project, but the court found the First Nation is seeking compensation for losses, not reversal of the approval. Metlakatla alleges it was misled and inadequately consulted, and that the port granted an export monopoly that harmed its economic interests. The judge ruled the claims raise a reasonable cause of action and can proceed in provincial court. One request, for an order requiring new consultations, was struck, but the remainder of the lawsuit was allowed to continue.

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck has called on Nutrien to reconsider plans to build a new potash export terminal in the United States and instead use Canadian ports. In a letter to Nutrien’s president, she noted that a final decision is not expected until 2027, leaving time to explore Canadian alternatives. Beck emphasized Saskatchewan’s global importance as the world’s largest potash producer, exporting nearly 23 million tonnes in 2024 and supporting about 17,000 jobs. She argued that maintaining export infrastructure within Canada is strategically important for national supply chains. Nutrien has said its preferred option is a roughly $1-billion terminal at the Port of Longview in Washington state, citing cost, construction feasibility, and deep-water access.

The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has released a report examining ocean carbon sequestration and its potential use in Canada. The study focuses on land-based ocean alkalinity enhancement, a process that adds alkaline materials to waterways to remove and store carbon dioxide in the marine environment over long periods. The committee found the technology could play an important role in meeting Canada’s climate targets if implemented safely and responsibly. It calls for a clear federal research strategy, strong scientific oversight, and collaboration with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to build social licence. The report also recommends a regulatory framework with robust monitoring and verification to support high-quality carbon credits and enable the sector to scale.

An opinion piece argues that while Canada and BC have reached a broad consensus on the need for economic growth, 2026 must be the year of delivery rather than strategy. It says rising trade volatility and geopolitical uncertainty have made economic growth a national security imperative. The article calls on BC to translate policy commitments into measurable outcomes through faster permitting, major project approvals, and competitiveness reforms. Specific priorities include removing barriers to food processing, optimizing Trans Mountain operations, advancing LNG Canada Phase 2, and restoring tax incentives for capital investment. The author concludes that without tangible progress in building projects, attracting investment, and expanding exports, growth strategies alone will fall short.

Canada’s largest federal public service union says job cuts could still affect the Canada Border Services Agency and the Department of National Defence, despite government plans to expand hiring in both areas. The Public Service Alliance of Canada told a parliamentary committee that while these departments are expected to grow overall, reductions could occur alongside expansion. Thousands of public servants across the federal government have already received notices that their positions may be eliminated, with more than 8,000 jobs expected to be cut. CBSA and DND face smaller budget reductions than most departments, even as Ottawa plans to hire 1,000 border officers and 3,000 defence employees. Union leaders warned the approach sends mixed signals, risks service backlogs, and could strain frontline operations, particularly in rural and high-demand areas.

US-flag Great Lakes freighters moved 71.3 million tons of cargo in 2025, marking an 8.9% decline from the previous year and falling 8.1% below the fleet’s five-year average. Shipments decreased across nearly all commodities, with the exception of salt, which rose 4.1%. Iron ore volumes dropped 10.8% to 39.1 million tons, while coal shipments fell 12% to 6.5 million tons. Limestone, cement, sand, and grain also recorded year-over-year declines. The figures point to broad-based softness in Great Lakes cargo demand during the year.

The US Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of 27 mariners after a Venezuelan-flagged fishing vessel caught fire and sank in the Pacific Ocean north-northwest of the Galapagos Islands. All crew members evacuated into a lifeboat with limited supplies and relied on a satellite device for communication. With no Coast Guard assets nearby, watchstanders issued safety broadcasts and used the AMVER system to identify vessels in the area. A nearby commercial vessel, Seaways Kenosha, responded and recovered all survivors safely. No serious injuries were reported, and arrangements are underway to transfer the crew ashore.

The US Coast Guard received nearly $25 billion in supplemental funding in fiscal year 2025, the largest single investment in its history, but a new GAO report says major challenges persist. The watchdog found significant workforce shortages, with the service ending FY2024 about 2,600 enlisted personnel below target. Equipment readiness has also declined, particularly among Medium Endurance Cutters, due to ongoing maintenance issues. GAO warned that key modernization programs, including the Offshore Patrol Cutter, face risks of further delays and cost overruns. The report concludes that without stronger workforce planning, maintenance, and acquisition management, increased funding alone will not ensure improved operational effectiveness.

President Donald Trump has designated Laura DiBella as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. DiBella was sworn in as a commissioner on January 6 after being nominated in September 2025 and confirmed by the US Senate in December, with a term running through June 30, 2028. As chair, she will serve as the FMC’s chief executive and administrative officer. DiBella brings extensive maritime and economic development experience, having previously served as Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, and port director of the Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority. She said she looks forward to leading the FMC in support of the administration’s goal of restoring US maritime competitiveness.

The International Maritime Organization has agreed to incorporate wind propulsion into its draft safety framework for greenhouse gas–reducing technologies, signalling stronger regulatory support for wind-assisted shipping. Following discussions at the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, interim safety guidelines for wind propulsion systems are targeted for completion by 2029. Industry representatives say the move provides long-needed regulatory clarity to support safe and scalable deployment of wind technologies. Wind-assisted propulsion systems, such as rigid sails, can deliver immediate fuel and emissions reductions.

Several Indonesian coal producers have reportedly received new one-year work plan and budget (RKAB) approvals for 2026, with production cuts ranging from 10pc to as much as 50pc. Market participants said major producers in Kalimantan are facing reductions of 20–50pc, while smaller and mid-sized miners may see cuts of 30–40pc. Some large producers are still awaiting RKAB approval from the energy ministry. Indonesia produced about 790mn tonnes of coal in 2025, below the approved quota of 917mn tonnes. The government has signalled overall national production could fall to around 600 million tonnes in 2026, implying a reduction of roughly 24pc. The RKAB system sets mandatory production limits, with penalties for non-compliance including fines or permit revocation.

Growing demand for data centres, energy projects, and mining infrastructure is driving renewed interest in inland waterways as a transport option for breakbulk and project cargo. Industry experts say waterways offer advantages over road transport, particularly for oversized and heavy equipment, while reducing congestion, emissions, and energy use. Mining and construction supply chains in Europe and South America are increasingly relying on major river systems such as the Rhine and the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway. Governments and port authorities are also investing in new canals and inland logistics hubs across the US, Europe, and Asia to expand capacity. Supporters argue that inland water transport can improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability as global infrastructure investment accelerates.

Rio Tinto and Glencore have scrapped plans for a proposed $260-billion merger that would have created the world’s largest mining company. Rio said it could not reach an agreement that would deliver sufficient value for its shareholders, with talks breaking down over governance, ownership, and valuation. Glencore said the proposed structure undervalued its copper business and overall contribution to the combined group. Markets reacted negatively, with Glencore shares falling sharply and Rio Tinto also ending lower. The collapse marks the third failed attempt at a tie-up between the two miners over the past two decades.

Container shipping operations out of Bangladesh are facing major disruption as dockworkers and port employees stage near week-long strikes at Chittagong Port. The unrest follows opposition to a government decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World. Local sources report a full shutdown of port activity, including vessel berthing and cargo clearance. Around 40 ships are estimated to be waiting at anchorage, with roughly 10,000 TEUs stranded at the port. Mainline carriers such as Maersk and ONE have warned customers of ongoing risks as delays and congestion are expected to persist even after operations resume.

The Panama Canal marked a record-setting moment with the inaugural transit of the Disney Adventure, the largest passenger cruise ship by both capacity and gross tonnage ever to pass through the waterway. The 208,000-gross-ton Neopanamax vessel, carrying up to 6,700 passengers, completed the transit during a positioning voyage. The milestone surpasses the previous record held by Norwegian Bliss. The Disney Adventure is one of five cruise ships making inaugural Panama Canal transits in the 2025–2026 season, with more than 40 Neopanamax cruise transits expected in fiscal 2026. Built by Meyer Werft and operated by Disney Cruise Line, the ship is homeported in Singapore and features major attractions, including Marvel Landing and the Disney Imagination Garden.