A 23-year-old small-boat captain from North Vancouver has received a commendation from the Canadian Coast Guard after rescuing a senior who fell into the cold waters of Indian Arm. Emma Elvin pulled the hypothermic man from the water after he capsized a kayak while attempting to return to Deep Cove. Using her marine first aid training, she removed his wet clothing, warmed him, and monitored his condition until the Coast Guard arrived. The man had reportedly been in the water for over 30 minutes after becoming lost on a hiking trail. Coast Guard officials praised Elvin’s swift and professional response, crediting her actions with saving the man’s life.

Kotug is training crews using advanced simulators ahead of the arrival of two methanol-fuelled escort tugs in British Columbia in the first half of 2026. Training at the P-Star simulator facility uses a digital model replicating the new vessels’ handling and operational profiles. The tugs, nearing completion at Sanmar Shipyards, are designed for escort, firefighting, oil spill response, and salvage operations on Canada’s West Coast. The programme focuses on tanker escorting to and from Vancouver and emergency response scenarios. Kotug says the simulator-based approach ensures crews are fully prepared to safely and efficiently operate the new vessels upon entry into service.

China’s commerce ministry has extended its anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola until March 9, citing the complexity of the case. Officials said a fair and final ruling will be issued following the extended review period. The move comes as China has resumed purchases of Canadian canola after Ottawa and Beijing reached a preliminary agreement to reduce certain tariffs. The deal followed discussions during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Beijing. China had previously imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola last year.

Quebec-based pension fund La Caisse has welcomed DP World’s decision to sever ties with chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem following reports of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this week, La Caisse had paused future investments with the Dubai-based port operator pending action. After Sulayem’s resignation, the fund said it supports the leadership change and intends to continue partnering on global port projects. DP World named CFO Yuvraj Narayan as CEO and Essa Kazim as chairman, effective immediately. The development comes as DP World advances projects, including the proposed Contrecoeur terminal in Quebec.

Traffic resumed Friday morning on the Arthur Laing Bridge connecting Vancouver, Richmond, and Vancouver International Airport after a barge struck the structure overnight. Richmond RCMP responded to the incident shortly after midnight and temporarily closed the bridge in both directions while inspections were carried out. The bridge has since reopened, though southbound traffic is reduced to a single lane near the midspan. Police have not indicated how long the lane restriction will remain in place. Drivers are being advised to expect delays.

The City of Nanaimo is expecting a significant increase in cruise activity this year, with eight ship calls scheduled, double the number recorded in 2025. The vessels are set to arrive between late April and early October, with the largest able to carry nearly 2,000 passengers and about 800 crew. The increase reflects ongoing efforts to position Nanaimo as a cruise destination in the mid-Island region. Cruise activity in the city has been gradually recovering since the pandemic disrupted operations in 2020. By comparison, Victoria is preparing for a much larger season, with more than 330 cruise ship calls planned.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. reported a fourth-quarter loss of US$751 million, widening significantly from a US$62 million loss in the same period last year. The Vancouver-based company said results were heavily impacted by US$712 million in restructuring and impairment charges, including a goodwill impairment in its lumber segment. Losses totalled US$9.63 per diluted share compared with US$0.80 a year earlier. Quarterly sales reached US$1.2 billion. The company cited elevated duties and tariffs on softwood lumber as key challenges during the period.

Canada’s canola industry has expressed disappointment with Ottawa’s proposed amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations, saying they fall short of supporting domestic demand for canola-based biofuels. While the amendments were intended to help producers affected by China’s import tariffs, industry groups argue the proposals lack concrete measures to expand Canadian biofuel use. The sector sees domestic biofuels as a key diversification strategy and says stronger signals could channel millions of tonnes of canola into the Canadian market. Producers are also urging the government to restrict eligibility to domestic or North American feedstocks, aligning with US rules.

Canadian dry bulk owner Fednav has signed a letter of intent with Oshima Shipbuilding for four 35,000 dwt lakers, with deliveries expected by mid-2029. The Montreal-based company said the newbuilds will focus on fuel efficiency and suitability for operations in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. The agreement builds on Fednav’s long-standing relationship with Japanese shipyards and follows a 2021 order for 10 similar vessels. With the new additions, Fednav’s forward orderbook will total 11 ships across the handysize and ultramax segments. The move signals continued fleet renewal as the company positions for long-term bulk trade demand.

Indigenous Communities across Canada are increasing their ownership stakes in major energy infrastructure projects, including oil and natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. Since 2021, Indigenous groups have acquired interests in more than 5,000 kilometres of operating pipelines, with further participation possible in projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion. Communities also hold stakes in an operating LNG peaking and storage facility, an LNG export project under construction, and additional proposed export developments. Investments in existing pipelines typically provide stable, lower-risk revenue streams, often supported by government-backed financing. In LNG projects, Indigenous Nations are more frequently involved at the development stage, becoming equity partners early in the project lifecycle.

Ottawa’s Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, is moving quickly through Parliament, aiming to tighten border enforcement and reform asylum processes. The bill would expand CBSA export search powers, strengthen anti-money laundering measures, and increase information-sharing among security agencies. It also introduces stricter eligibility rules for refugee claims, redirecting some applicants from full hearings to pre-removal risk assessments. The government says the changes will address backlogs and improve border security, including fentanyl enforcement. Advocacy groups argue the measures prioritize speed over fairness and could weaken refugee protections, while the bill remains on track for final approval in the Senate.

The B.C. Greens have accused Premier David Eby’s government of failing to deliver on key 2025 commitments and taking a more centralized, less collaborative approach to governance. In a press release, Green MLAs said more than half of the commitments under the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord remain incomplete. The party cited stalled progress on transit, mental health coverage, community health centres, and social assistance reviews. Green leaders also pointed to growing ideological differences on issues such as climate policy and Indigenous rights. While ending the formal partnership with the NDP, the Greens said they remain committed to representing the interests of British Columbians.

The British Columbia government has appealed a December 2025 court ruling that requires consultation with First Nations before granting mineral exploration rights on traditional territories. Premier David Eby says the decision has created legal uncertainty around the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The province argues the ruling misinterprets DRIPA and risks elevating UNDRIP to quasi-constitutional status. Eby has also signalled plans to amend DRIPA this spring following consultations. Indigenous leaders have warned that changes could weaken the legislation, while the Opposition Conservatives continue to call for its repeal.

Local governments, marine safety experts, and First Nations representatives met in Prince Rupert for an Indigenous-led roundtable focused on strengthening preparedness and marine safety on B.C.’s North Coast. Held on February 6, the event emphasized collaboration in developing a safe and resilient energy corridor for northern B.C. Participants discussed topics including port operations, spill response, corridor integrity, flood control, and emergency deployment. Presentations also highlighted an Indigenous-led engagement process supported by the Government of Alberta. Organizers described the roundtable as a constructive first step toward closer cooperation between First Nations, industry, and government.

US President Donald Trump criticized Canada as the House of Representatives voted against his tariffs on Canadian goods, a largely symbolic move that revealed some Republican unease with his trade agenda. Six Republicans joined Democrats in opposing tariffs imposed under a fentanyl-related emergency declaration, though the measure lacks the votes to override a likely presidential veto. Trump has used the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to impose broad duties on Canada, alongside sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium, autos, and lumber. Critics argue fentanyl seizures at the northern border are minimal and say the tariffs are harming US businesses and bilateral relations. The dispute comes as the Supreme Court reviews Trump’s use of emergency powers to enact trade measures.

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced the ePermit Act, legislation aimed at modernizing and streamlining federal environmental reviews through digital and cloud-based tools. The bill would require agencies to adopt standardized data systems and modern project management platforms to improve transparency, coordination, and efficiency. Supporters say outdated, paper-based processes contribute to delays, confusion, and litigation in infrastructure and energy projects. The measure is intended to preserve existing environmental protections while accelerating permitting timelines. Companion legislation has already passed the US House of Representatives.

President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants and announced $175 million in federal funding to upgrade six facilities across several states. The move is aimed at prolonging US reliance on coal and supporting domestic mining, with the administration arguing it will enhance energy security and lower electricity costs. Trump also praised decisions to keep certain coal plants operating and signalled further support for expanding coal leasing on federal lands. The policy shift comes amid rising electricity demand, including from AI-related industries, and a broader rollback of support for wind and solar projects. Environmental groups criticized the initiative, saying it prioritizes high-emission power sources over cleaner alternatives.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering reducing tariffs on steel and aluminium as approval ratings fall to historic lows ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections. Surveys show growing public concern over rising household costs and job losses in manufacturing linked to the tariffs. Reports indicate the administration may narrow the list of tariffed metal derivatives to ease pressure on industries and consumers. Since April, manufacturers have shed tens of thousands of jobs, with automakers and semiconductor firms among the hardest hit. Analysts say the potential rollback reflects mounting economic and political pressure as voters increasingly question the impact of current trade policies.

The US federal government has fully funded the Small Shipyard Grant Program for fiscal year 2026, allocating $35 million following the signing of the FY26 funding package. The appropriation triggers a rapid application timeline, with MARAD expected to release its funding notice in mid-February and applications due by early April. The program supports small shipyards with grants for capital improvements and workforce training. Industry groups say the short window means applicants should prepare project plans and vendor quotes in advance. The funding reflects a significant increase from prior years and continued bipartisan support for strengthening US shipbuilding capacity.

Government officials and maritime experts from Asian coastal States met in Singapore for the first International Maritime Organization workshop focused on ships’ routing and reporting systems. The program aimed to strengthen regional expertise in navigational safety and the effective design and implementation of traffic management measures amid rising maritime activity. Participants reviewed existing routing systems, examined traffic risk analysis, and gained familiarity with IMO procedures and reporting obligations. Practical sessions included visits to Singapore’s Vessel Traffic Information System and simulation centre, highlighting the use of AIS data to support safer navigation. The workshop was delivered under the IMO’s technical cooperation programme in partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Oldendorff Carriers and BHP have announced a joint initiative aimed at increasing diversity in the maritime industry, where women currently make up about one per cent of seafarers globally. The partnership will focus on expanding access to training pathways and career opportunities, drawing on BHP’s FutureFit Academy and Oldendorff’s global cadetship program. The companies plan to share best practices and develop inclusive pathways for both seafaring and shore-based roles. Leaders from both organizations said collaboration is key to scaling successful diversity initiatives across the sector. The effort reflects broader industry recognition of the need to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.

CMA CGM is preparing to launch an electric inland barge service between the Port of Marseille-Fos and Lyon, with delivery scheduled for 2028 and annual capacity of nearly 12,000 TEUs. The 185-metre vessel, capable of carrying 156 TEUs, is part of efforts to promote decarbonized logistics and reduce congestion on the A7 motorway. The group aims to double its multimodal volumes in Lyon by 2030, targeting 100,000 TEUs by inland waterway and 60,000 TEUs by rail annually. Investments include €40 million to modernize the Lyon Rhône Terminal and development of charging infrastructure along the corridor.

A.P. Moller – Maersk has placed an order for eight 18,600 TEU container vessels at China’s New Times Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030. The newbuilds will feature dual-fuel engines capable of operating on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas. Maersk said the order forms part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy and is aimed at maintaining competitiveness and operational flexibility. Measuring approximately 366 metres in length, the ships are designed for deployment across multiple trade routes. Following the agreement, Maersk’s orderbook stands at 33 vessels.

Venezuela is sending its first crude oil cargo to Israel in several years, marking a shift in export flows following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and changes to the country’s oil sales arrangements. The shipment is destined for Bazan Group, Israel’s largest crude processor, according to sources familiar with the deal. If completed, it would be the first Venezuelan crude cargo delivered to Israel since mid-2020. The development reflects a broader redirection of Venezuelan oil exports, which have recently reached buyers in India, Spain, the United States, and now Israel. Until recently, the bulk of Venezuela’s crude exports had been flowing to China.

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers has completed a voyage using low-carbon methanol on a dual-fuel bulk carrier transporting copper concentrate for BHP, achieving an estimated 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a well-to-wake basis. The vessel, Green Future, is the group’s first methanol dual-fuel bulker and, according to NYK, marks the first use of low-carbon methanol on an oceangoing bulk carrier. The bio-based methanol was bunkered in South Korea and certified under ISCC EU sustainability standards. The initiative aims to reduce operational emissions and support lower-carbon supply chains for copper production. NYK said it will continue advancing low-carbon fuel adoption as part of its decarbonization strategy.