Two members of the Nisga’a Nation have filed a lawsuit in BC Supreme Court alleging inadequate consultation over a partnership with Western LNG on the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project. The case argues that the pipeline and associated Ksi Lisims LNG project carry financial risks and may become obsolete amid declining LNG demand and the global shift to low-carbon energy. Costs for the pipeline are also alleged to have risen significantly since initial estimates. The lawsuit names multiple parties, including government and industry stakeholders, though none have yet responded. The challenge adds to broader legal and environmental scrutiny surrounding the project.

Woodfibre LNG has received its 16th module, the powerhouse module, delivered aboard the heavy cargo vessel Dongbang Giant 8, bringing the project to approximately 65% completion. Weighing 4,200 tonnes, the module will serve as the facility’s central power and control system, distributing electricity from BC Hydro to support its electric-driven liquefaction process. Fabricated in Qingdao, China, the module is now being prepared for installation on site using specialized transporters. The project remains on track for completion in 2027 and will produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually once operational.

The Iran conflict is driving sharp increases in global fuel prices, raising shipping, rail, and logistics costs that are now affecting Canadian supply chains and consumers. Bunker fuel prices have nearly doubled, while container freight rates have risen as vessels reroute away from the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, adding time and expense. Higher transport costs are feeding into inflation, affecting goods ranging from electronics to food, with fertilizer prices also surging. Canadian rail surcharges and delayed ship arrivals highlight growing domestic impacts. Experts warn that prolonged disruption could further strain supply chains and increase costs at the checkout.

Louis Dreyfus Company has begun commissioning a major pea protein processing facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, creating a new domestic market for Canadian pea growers. The plant will process up to 75,000 tonnes annually, producing protein isolates along with fibre and starch for food and industrial uses. Backed by growing global demand for plant-based proteins, the facility aims to provide stable, value-added outlets for regional farmers and reduce reliance on bulk exports. Industry leaders say increased domestic processing could improve returns and ease pressure on Canada’s congested rail system. The development comes as pea acreage declines, with hopes that the new market will help revive production.

Steven MacKinnon visited Sault Ste. Marie to review plans for a proposed deep-water port, a project requiring approximately $200 million in infrastructure funding, including rail upgrades. The initiative, backed by the city and the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, aims to enhance Great Lakes shipping capacity and support regional industries such as manufacturing, forestry, and mining. The federal government has already funded early studies and is considering the project under its broader trade corridor diversification strategy, though final approval will depend on a detailed business case and national funding priorities.

DP World has opened a new freight forwarding office in Montreal, strengthening its integrated logistics network across Canada. Located in Saint-Laurent, the facility enhances bilingual service capabilities and supports retail and industrial customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions. The office complements existing operations in Vancouver and Toronto, offering services including ocean and air freight, trucking, and customs clearance. The expansion reflects DP World’s long-term strategy to bolster Quebec’s role as a key trade gateway. It also aligns with broader investments aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and resilience nationwide.

The Government of Canada plans to cut up to 40,000 public service jobs while increasing reliance on AI to streamline operations, raising concerns about service quality and transparency. Unions warn that significant reductions, including over 1,400 roles at Environment and Climate Change Canada, could weaken environmental oversight and public services. Several climate initiatives, including the Low Carbon Economy Fund, are being scaled back or phased out as priorities shift. While the government introduces new targeted incentives, critics argue the move signals reduced ambition on climate action. The changes reflect a broader shift toward cost reduction and digital transformation across federal departments.

The Canadian Coast Guard is conducting spring icebreaking operations along the St. Lawrence Seaway, with the CCGS Martha L. Black deployed to support reopening between Ontario and Quebec. These efforts are critical for restoring safe navigation and preventing ice jams that can lead to flooding in nearby communities. Icebreaking services, carried out annually across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence system, ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels and goods. Authorities also warn of significant safety risks for anyone on ice near operating vessels. The operations are coordinated jointly with the US Coast Guard to maintain fluid cross-border shipping routes.

The Province of British Columbia, through Northern Development Initiative Trust, is investing up to $24 million in the GwaiiTel subsea fibre-optic project to enhance internet connectivity between Haida Gwaii and the mainland northern coast. The new high-capacity link will improve reliability for essential services, including health care, emergency response, education, and business operations, while supporting economic development in the region. With 50% ownership by the Council of the Haida Nation, the project emphasizes community-led infrastructure and is set to begin construction in spring 2026.

US President Donald Trump has issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport goods between US ports in an effort to ease fuel supply bottlenecks and lower energy prices amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The move is intended to improve the flow of oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and other key commodities as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained. While industry groups say the waiver could provide short-term relief by expanding vessel availability, maritime and labour organizations have raised concerns about its impact on domestic shipping capacity and long-term shipbuilding objectives.

Two crewmembers were killed and two others hospitalized following a confined space incident aboard the barge Waynehoe near Ketchikan, Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident, which occurred while the vessel was moored, after a mayday call reported lost contact with the crew inside the space. The tragedy highlights the ongoing risks of enclosed spaces at sea, where hazards like oxygen depletion remain a leading cause of fatalities. Despite stricter International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety regulations and training requirements, such incidents continue to occur. The case underscores persistent gaps between safety protocols and real-world onboard practices.

A sweeping 60-day waiver of the Jones Act has drawn strong criticism from US maritime operators and labour groups, who warn it could undermine domestic shipping, jobs, and national security. Issued under emergency powers without assessing available US vessel capacity, the waiver allows foreign ships to transport energy and other goods between US ports. Industry stakeholders argue the move introduces market instability and offers little relief on fuel prices, which are primarily driven by global oil costs. Labour organizations have urged the administration to reverse course, citing risks to the US maritime workforce and supply chain resilience.

The International Maritime Organization’s proposed Net-Zero Framework (NZF), aimed at guiding shipping toward net-zero emissions by 2050, is facing major opposition as the US calls for its complete abandonment. Washington argues the plan would impose high costs and rely on unproven fuels, while advocating for a broader energy approach that includes LNG and conventional fuels. Other major players, including Japan and China, are pushing alternative revisions rather than outright rejection, highlighting deep divisions ahead of upcoming negotiations. The debate raises uncertainty over the future of global maritime decarbonization efforts.

Ocean carriers are imposing emergency fuel surcharges amid soaring bunker prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, but shippers are increasingly pushing back, arguing the fees risk becoming profit-driven rather than cost recovery. While carriers say rapid fuel price spikes justify additional charges beyond standard bunker adjustment factors (BAF), industry groups warn of “double-dipping” as both mechanisms are applied. Surcharges ranging from $30 to $300 per container have been introduced across major trade lanes, with some carriers passing costs on immediately while others initially absorbed them. The dispute highlights growing tension over transparency and fairness in pricing as volatility disrupts traditional fuel cost models.

A series of escalating attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since late February has severely disrupted global shipping and heightened risks to maritime operations. Multiple tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships have been struck by projectiles or drones, causing fires, structural damage, and at least one confirmed fatality. The incidents have affected vessels of various flags and operators across the Gulf, prompting evacuations and temporary port closures. Iran has warned that ships transiting the Strait could be targeted, further escalating tensions. The attacks underscore growing threats to one of the world’s most critical energy and trade corridors.

Fincantieri has launched Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, at its Ancona shipyard in Italy, with delivery to Viking Cruises expected in late 2026. The vessel will use a hybrid system combining liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, enabling zero-emission operations in environmentally sensitive regions. Designed for nearly 1,000 passengers, the ship reflects growing industry momentum toward alternative fuels beyond LNG. Despite challenges around hydrogen infrastructure and cost, the project signals a long-term shift toward decarbonization in the cruise sector. The launch also highlights continued innovation and expansion at Fincantieri’s Ancona facility.

Escalating conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition has struck key energy infrastructure, including Iran’s Pars gas field and facilities in Qatar, triggering sharp increases in global oil prices. Missile attacks and threats against major oil and gas sites across the Gulf have raised fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies, especially as the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG, remains effectively closed. Benchmark crude prices surged above $100 per barrel, while governments scramble to respond to rising fuel costs and mounting geopolitical risk. The situation marks a significant escalation, with energy infrastructure now directly targeted, heightening concerns over global supply security.

CSL and Adbri have officially named MV Yampu, a new purpose-built limestone carrier designed for coastal operations in Australia. Built in China and crewed by Australians, the vessel will replace the long-serving MV Accolade II and is notable as the world’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier. Developed through close collaboration between the two companies, MV Yampu aims to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact while supporting Adbri’s supply chain. The vessel’s name, inspired by Indigenous Australian languages, reflects themes of intelligence and community, underscoring the partnership’s focus on sustainable and modern shipping solutions.