The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and GCT Global Container Terminals have signed an MOU to explore a partnership for developing the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project, with support from the Major Projects Office. The agreement includes a one-year exclusive period to assess a joint development and operating arrangement, with VFPA leading permitting and Indigenous engagement while GCT contributes operational expertise. As part of the deal, GCT will withdraw its separate Deltaport expansion proposal to focus on RBT2. The initiative aims to expand container capacity, strengthen supply chains, and enhance Canada’s trade competitiveness.

The federal government is considering a southern British Columbia route for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, viewing it as potentially facing fewer environmental and Indigenous challenges than Alberta’s preferred northern route to Prince Rupert. The project, tied to federal-provincial efforts to expand energy exports, could carry up to one million barrels per day to Asian markets. While no route has been finalized, the southern option may align with existing infrastructure near Vancouver, though it presents its own technical constraints. The decision comes amid growing industry pressure to expand pipeline capacity and capitalize on strong global demand for Canadian oil.

The Canadian government has approved Enbridge’s $4 billion Sunrise Expansion, which will increase natural gas capacity on the Westcoast pipeline system in British Columbia. The project will add about 300 million cubic feet per day of capacity, supporting energy security, peak demand needs and LNG exports. Construction is set to begin in July 2026, with completion expected by late 2028. The expansion is projected to create 2,500 jobs and contribute over $3 billion to the economy. It also includes continued engagement and procurement with Indigenous communities.

Australia’s canola production is forecast to drop significantly in 2026-27 due to rising input costs and potential dry weather, reducing competition for Canadian exporters. Higher diesel and fertilizer prices are leading farmers to cut plantings and reduce fertilizer use, resulting in lower yields and a projected 19% decline in output. Exports are also expected to fall, particularly to key markets in Asia and Europe. This shift could support Canadian canola demand as global supply tightens. Meanwhile, Canadian acreage is expected to remain steady or grow slightly, supported by favourable market conditions.

Cargill has officially opened its new canola crush plant in Regina, with operations ramping up toward its full annual capacity of one million tonnes in the coming months. The facility strengthens local demand for farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, offering improved market access and pricing transparency amid global uncertainty. It will supply both food and growing biofuel markets, primarily in North America, while supporting over 100 jobs. The project reflects Cargill’s long-term confidence in canola demand, despite delays and other cancelled crush projects in the region.

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation and partner agencies conducted a two-day oil spill response exercise in Prince Rupert Harbour to test early-stage containment, recovery, and coordination capabilities. The drill focused on stopping the source of a spill, deploying containment booms, and using systems such as Current Busters and skimmers to recover oil, supported by vessels, drones, and night-vision technology. A parallel tabletop exercise simulated decision-making under a Unified Command led by the Canadian Coast Guard, involving provincial authorities, local governments, and Indigenous partners. While response tools remain consistent across regions, the exercise highlighted improvements in coordination, local response capacity, and Indigenous participation since the Nathan E. Stewart oil spill, as well as ongoing challenges posed by the North Coast’s remote geography and weather conditions.

The B.C. Energy Regulator has ordered LNG Canada to address repeated permit violations tied to black smoke emissions during flaring at its Kitimat facility, after inspections found the company failed to meet limits set under the Energy Resource Activities Act. The regulator identified prolonged non-compliant events in January, including one lasting over seven hours, and concluded flaring systems were not being operated within permitted thresholds. LNG Canada must now report future incidents within 48 hours, submit a root-cause analysis by August 15, implement corrective measures by October 15, and provide monthly compliance reports through March 2027.

A new U.S. system allowing companies to reclaim improperly collected tariffs has gone live, prompting a surge of filings from importers seeking refunds following a Supreme Court ruling. While the portal has generally functioned as intended, users reported minor glitches and delays due to high traffic. The system is expected to process up to $166 billion in refunds, with payments anticipated within 60 to 90 days once claims are approved. Despite some frustration over the need to file claims, early feedback suggests the rollout has been largely successful amid strong demand.

The Trump administration is planning to extend its Jones Act waiver for up to 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to operate in domestic fuel transport amid ongoing energy disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Initially introduced as a short-term emergency measure, the waiver is now being framed as necessary for national defense and supply continuity. However, maritime industry groups strongly oppose the move, arguing it undermines U.S. shipping, shipbuilding and long-term investment while failing to lower fuel prices. The proposed extension highlights growing tensions between emergency policy actions and broader efforts to strengthen the domestic maritime sector.

The International Maritime Organization is developing a plan to evacuate around 800 vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing conflict. However, it will only proceed once conditions are safe and free of threats such as sea mines. The proposed humanitarian corridor would prioritize crew safety, with departures likely coordinated based on how long seafarers have been stranded. Transits would follow established shipping routes, but heightened risks from regional tensions and blockades continue to delay action. The initiative underscores growing concern for seafarers as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist.

Wärtsilä has introduced NTPRO 7, a next-generation bridge simulator designed to support maritime training as digital navigation and vessel complexity increase. The platform features immersive visualization, AI-powered voice interaction, and S-100 compliant navigation systems to replicate real-world operations. Certified by DNV, it offers scalable configurations for training institutions to simulate complex scenarios safely. The system will be commercially available from May 2026, following extensive testing.

The International Maritime Organization is developing a plan to evacuate around 800 vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing conflict. However, it will only proceed once conditions are safe and free of threats such as sea mines. The proposed humanitarian corridor would prioritize crew safety, with departures likely coordinated based on how long seafarers have been stranded. Transits would follow established shipping routes, but heightened risks from regional tensions and blockades continue to delay action. The initiative underscores growing concern for seafarers as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist.

The Panama Canal Authority says it is operating efficiently despite increased traffic and geopolitical disruptions, reporting higher transits and cargo volumes without congestion. While demand for transit slots has pushed auction prices significantly higher, officials emphasized this reflects temporary spikes rather than system strain. Improved water levels and restored capacity have helped maintain stable operations following past drought challenges. The canal remains a reliable route for global trade, with no major disruptions expected in the near term.

China has delivered its first domestically designed and built 180,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier, marking a major milestone in its high-end shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel, Celsius Georgetown, is the first of six ships ordered by Denmark’s Celsius Group and features advanced dual-fuel propulsion and low-emission technology. Its delivery places China among the leading nations capable of constructing large LNG carriers, with five shipyards now active in this segment. The project highlights China’s growing competitiveness in complex, high-value shipbuilding as further deliveries are expected through 2027.