A sharp increase in diesel prices, up about 60% since the start of the year, is beginning to drive higher grain transportation costs, with impacts expected across trucking, rail, and ocean shipping. While Canada’s regulated rail system may delay the full effect, higher fuel costs will eventually be reflected in rates, and ocean freight is also set to rise as bunker prices have more than doubled. According to Quorum Corporation, these cost increases will likely emerge in the coming months, though stronger grain prices may partially offset the impact, with consumers ultimately expected to absorb much of the increase.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority has appointed Kurt Slocombe as its new President and CEO following an international search. Slocombe, who joined the organization in 2019 and brings extensive experience in gateway operations, will lead the port at a time of growing importance for Canadian trade. His appointment reflects a focus on continuity and operational expertise as the port continues to expand its role as a key national and international trade hub.

BC Ferries has reported a near miss involving the vessel Northern Adventure after it deviated from its planned course in heavy weather on March 8 and entered shallow waters near Milbanke Sound. The vessel passed over a shoal in approximately nine metres of water before executing corrective manoeuvres and safely returning to its route, with no injuries, damage, or environmental impact reported. The incident has been reported to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which is reviewing the case, while BC Ferries has initiated an internal review to strengthen safety procedures.

The Canada Border Services Agency has approved in principle for the Hamilton Container Terminal to operate a new inland rail transload facility at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, enabling containers to move directly by rail from major Canadian ports into Hamilton. The development unlocks new inland capacity, reduces highway congestion, and strengthens supply chain resilience across southern Ontario. Once operational, the terminal will support both imports and exports, positioning Hamilton as a strategic inland logistics hub aligned with Canada’s broader trade diversification and infrastructure priorities.

The federal government has launched a $3.8 billion strategy aimed at protecting and restoring Canada’s natural environment while supporting sustainable development. The plan targets conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030 through new national parks, marine protected areas, and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. It includes major investments in habitat restoration, species recovery, and programs such as Pacific and Atlantic salmon protection. The strategy also integrates environmental data and planning tools to align development with conservation goals. Additionally, the government will explore new financing models to attract private investment into nature protection.

The Government of Canada has announced enhanced vessel management measures to support the recovery of endangered Southern Resident killer whales, including increasing the minimum approach distance to 1,000 metres, effective June 1, 2026. Additional measures include mandatory 10-knot speed restriction zones at Swiftsure Bank, vessel restricted zones near Pender and Saturna Islands, and continued voluntary slowdowns under the ECHO Program. These actions aim to reduce acoustic and physical disturbance from vessels while aligning with regional protections and strengthening long-term conservation efforts.

The Canada Border Services Agency will deploy its first specialized canine unit trained to detect fentanyl as part of enhanced border security efforts. The announcement follows the induction of 57 new officers and forms part of a $1.3 billion federal investment under Canada’s border plan. Officials highlighted the need for a multi-layered approach to combat drug trafficking, with over 31,600 drug seizures reported in 2025 involving fentanyl. The new unit builds on CBSA’s existing 80 dog teams across ports of entry. The move comes amid increased pressure to curb cross-border drug flows and strengthen enforcement capabilities.

The Trump administration has revised tariffs on steel, aluminium, and copper imports to simplify compliance and reduce duties on certain derivative products. While a 50% tariff remains on core metal imports, it will now be applied to the full sales value to curb under-reporting. Products with less than 15% metal content will be exempt, while those above this threshold will face reduced tariffs of 25%. Some industrial equipment will see tariffs cut to 15% through 2027 to support manufacturing. The changes aim to streamline a complex system while maintaining overall economic impact.

ACE American Insurance Company has reached a $350 million settlement with the owner and operator of the container ship Dali, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine Group, following the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The agreement, matching the insurer’s payout to Maryland, is one of the first ahead of a major civil trial set for June, though broader litigation continues with total damages expected to exceed $5 billion. A key issue at trial will be whether the ship interests can limit their liability to about $44 million under maritime law.

US LNG exports climbed to a record 11.7 million tonnes in March as facilities operated above capacity and new production came online, with strong demand driven by Middle East supply disruptions. Shipments to Asia more than doubled due to higher prices, while Europe remained the largest destination. Outages at QatarEnergy tightened global supply, and added output from projects linked to Cheniere Energy is expected to support continued export growth.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for urgent diplomatic action to evacuate around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf. Speaking at a UK-led meeting, he stressed the need to protect navigation rights and prioritize crew safety. Since February 2026, 21 attacks on shipping have resulted in fatalities and injuries. IMO is working with States and industry to establish safe passage, maintain supply lines, and coordinate humanitarian support. A UN-led Task Force has also been launched to address the crisis.

Singapore’s bunker fuel market is facing significant strain, with inventories estimated to cover less than a month of demand following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Supply constraints have tightened availability, with longer lead times and suppliers prioritizing existing contracts. Prices surged sharply after the conflict began but have since eased from peak levels, though still well above pre-war rates. Alternative sourcing from regions like Brazil and Russia is helping to offset shortages, while Rotterdam remains relatively stable. Shipping lines are responding with contingency measures, including slow steaming and emergency fuel surcharges, to manage rising costs.

A container ship operated by CMA CGM and an LNG tanker linked to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first known crossings by Western-associated vessels since the conflict with Iran disrupted the waterway. The transits suggest a potential shift in access arrangements, as most recent passages had been limited to vessels aligned with Iran or pre-approved routes. While details remain unclear, including whether transit fees were paid, the crossings signal cautious movement toward restoring limited traffic through one of the world’s most critical energy shipping corridors.

The Port Alberni Port Authority is hosting one of the largest vessels on Canada’s West Coast, as a major Coast Guard icebreaker arrives in the harbour for an extended refit. CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, an 83-metre ship operated by the Canadian Coast Guard, is now docked in Port Alberni at Berth 3. The vessel is expected to remain in the city for the next couple of months while undergoing maintenance work by Canadian Maritime Engineering. The refit highlights the strategic advantages of Port Alberni’s deep, sheltered harbour, which is well-suited for large-scale vessel repairs and marine servicing. The Port Alberni Port Authority said on social media that projects like this support ongoing efforts to position the harbour as a growing hub for ship repair, refit and future marine industry development. While the ship is in port, residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the waterfront to view the icebreaker, a key vessel used for icebreaking, buoy tending and scientific research along Canada’s coast.