More than 20 industry organizations, including farmer groups, fertilizer companies and exporters, are calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to replace or twin Vancouver’s ageing Second Narrows Rail Bridge. Built in 1969 and operated by CN Rail, the bridge is the sole rail connection to North Shore grain, potash and coal terminals. It carries nearly one-third of cargo moving through the Port of Vancouver. Concerns intensified after a mechanical failure in February left the bridge locked in the down position for four days, disrupting ship access to terminals. Industry groups warn that a major failure could immediately halt critical bulk exports and damage Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner. Stakeholders say long-term investments in port and transportation infrastructure are essential as Canada seeks to diversify trade beyond the United States and expand exports to global markets.

A new study by Simon Fraser University found juvenile Chinook salmon in the Lower Fraser River estuary are being exposed to hundreds of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, caffeine, and cocaine. Researchers detected more than 200 contaminants in water and fish tissue samples, with 16 identified as priority contaminants posing potential risks to aquatic life. Scientists warn the findings are concerning for endangered Southern Resident killer whale populations, which rely heavily on Fraser River Chinook as a food source. The study notes that salmon are already facing multiple stressors, including warming waters and disease exposure, with researchers now investigating the combined impacts of these chemical mixtures on fish growth and survival.

Seaspan Energy has secured a long-term LNG bunkering contract with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for LNG-fueled car carriers operating through the Port of Vancouver. The agreement marks the first annual LNG term bunkering contract of its kind at the port and supports MOL’s growing fleet of LNG-powered vessels. Seaspan said the deal reflects its continued investment in LNG bunkering infrastructure along North America’s West Coast, including a recent expansion from Vancouver to Long Beach, California. The company aims to support increasing demand for alternative marine fuels and strengthen the region’s clean marine supply chain.

Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled that debates over a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia cannot continue indefinitely, warning Ottawa may focus investment elsewhere if projects stall in B.C. During meetings with B.C. Premier David Eby in Vancouver, Carney promoted critical minerals, LNG, and infrastructure development as part of Canada’s trade diversification strategy. Eby reiterated concerns over maintaining the North Coast tanker moratorium, which could restrict any northern pipeline route, while urging greater federal support for B.C.-based projects already before Ottawa’s Major Projects Office. The discussions come amid a new Ottawa-Alberta agreement tied to pipeline development, methane reductions, Indigenous consultations, and industrial carbon pricing reforms.

The Government of Canada has proposed more than $258 million over five years to strengthen protections for endangered whale species, including Southern Resident killer whales, North Atlantic right whales, and St. Lawrence Estuary belugas. The funding would support measures addressing ship strikes, underwater vessel noise, entanglements, prey availability, and habitat protection. Proposed initiatives include expanded acoustic monitoring, regional underwater noise management in the Salish Sea, continued support for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ECHO Program, and funding for commercial vessel slowdown initiatives and quieter vessel technologies. The government also confirmed that vessels must remain 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales starting June 1, 2026, under Transport Canada’s Interim Order.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has recommended that Transport Canada strengthen its Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program following a 2024 collision on the St. Lawrence River involving a passenger vessel and a pleasure craft near Longueuil, Quebec. The investigation found that although the pleasure craft operator held a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and had decades of boating experience, existing training did not adequately prepare him to assess collision risks in complex marine environments. The TSB noted that current PCOC requirements rely mainly on a theory test, with no mandatory practical training or refresher requirements. The Board is now calling for enhanced training measures to ensure operators can safely navigate alongside commercial traffic in busy waterways.

The Canadian Coast Guard will conduct a search and rescue exercise on May 26 near Parry Sound involving multiple vessels and aircraft. Participating agencies include the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Royal Canadian Air Force 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Parry Sound Emergency Medical Services, and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton. The daytime exercise will take place around the Coast Guard base and surrounding waters, with officials advising the public that there is no real emergency or danger. The training aims to strengthen emergency preparedness, coordination, and communication between responding agencies.

The Supreme Court of the United States has revived a lawsuit seeking more than $440 million from major cruise operators, including Carnival Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and MSC Cruises, over the use of port facilities in Cuba confiscated after the 1959 revolution. The case was brought by Havana Docks Corporation under the Helms-Burton Act, which allows U.S. nationals to sue entities allegedly benefiting from property seized by the Cuban government. The ruling overturns a lower court decision that had dismissed the claims and sends the case back for further proceedings. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba under President Donald Trump’s administration.

A new AI-powered whale detection system called WhaleSpotter has been launched in San Francisco Bay to help reduce ship strikes involving whales. The system uses thermal cameras and artificial intelligence to detect whale blows and heat signatures in real time, alerting mariners to slow down or adjust routes when whales are nearby. The initiative comes amid rising gray whale deaths in the Bay Area, with at least 40% linked to vessel strikes. Researchers say climate change is driving more whales into busy shipping corridors within the bay as changing ocean conditions affect feeding grounds and migration patterns. The project also supports broader efforts to reduce whale entanglements and improve whale-safe shipping and fishing practices.

Marine Log and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers will host a virtual event on June 4 examining how new United States Coast Guard cybersecurity requirements are impacting vessel design, construction, and operations. The session will explore issues including vessel systems architecture, automation integration, network segmentation, and cybersecurity planning for both newbuild and retrofit projects. Speakers from the Coast Guard, ship design firms, cybersecurity companies, and marine technology providers will discuss how growing digitalization is making cybersecurity a core operational and design consideration across the maritime industry lifecycle.

The United States Department of Justice has indicted seven Chinese executives and four major container manufacturing companies over an alleged conspiracy to restrict production and fix prices for standard shipping containers between 2019 and 2024. Companies named include China International Marine Containers, Singamas Container Holdings, Dong Fang International Containers, and CXIC Group Containers. U.S. authorities allege the scheme significantly increased container prices during the COVID-19 supply chain crisis, with some manufacturers’ profits rising nearly one hundredfold. Prosecutors claim the companies coordinated production limits, monitored factory output, and allocated manufacturing quotas affecting global container supply.

The International Maritime Organization marked International Day for Women in Maritime on May 18 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence.” The initiative highlights efforts to improve recruitment, retention, and career advancement for women across the maritime sector, where women currently represent less than 20% of the shore-based workforce and under 2% of global seafarers. The event included the launch of a new gender mainstreaming handbook by Momoko Kitada and recognition of her work with the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said meaningful and lasting action is still needed to address persistent gender disparities across the industry.

Traffic through the Panama Canal has surged as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz redirect more U.S. energy exports toward Asia. BIMCO says canal transits are up 8% year-over-year and are nearing maximum operating capacity, leading to longer wait times and higher transit slot costs. Increased tanker movements for U.S. crude oil, LNG, and refined products are driving the growth. Shipping markets are also monitoring forecasts for a possible return of El Niño later this year, which could again threaten canal water levels and transit capacity.

Countries including India, South Korea, Germany, and Italy are increasing reliance on coal as Middle East tensions and rising gas prices disrupt global energy markets. Governments are delaying coal phase-outs, extending plant lifetimes, and restarting reserve facilities to maintain grid stability and manage energy costs. India and South Korea have sharply increased coal-fired power generation amid higher electricity demand and LNG supply concerns, while Germany and Italy are reconsidering previously announced coal exit timelines. Despite the resurgence, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind remain structurally cheaper than new coal generation in many markets.

DNV has independently verified that vessels using Jotun’s Hull Skating Solutions (HSS) maintained clean hulls with no measurable speed loss under real operating conditions. The assessment combined in-water inspections of 33 vessels with ISO 19030-aligned performance-monitoring data from 12 vessels over an average of 3.5 years. Central to the system is the robotic HullSkater, which proactively removes early-stage fouling while vessels remain in operation. Jotun says the verification demonstrates that continuous hull maintenance can prevent fouling before it develops, rather than relying on reactive cleaning during drydockings.

The International Maritime Organization has adopted the first international framework governing autonomous commercial vessels through its new Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code. The non-mandatory code establishes global safety and operational standards for remotely operated and fully autonomous ships, including requirements related to navigation, cybersecurity, remote operations, and search and rescue. The framework defines four levels of vessel autonomy and is intended to support the growing use of autonomous technologies across the shipping sector. An experience-building phase will begin later this year, with work toward a mandatory MASS Code expected by 2030 and entry into force targeted for 2032.

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has officially named and taken delivery of OOCL Wisdom, currently the world’s largest methanol dual-fuel container vessel with a capacity of 24,168 TEU. Built at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd., the vessel is equipped with methanol dual-fuel systems across its main engines, auxiliary engines, and boilers, along with advanced energy-efficiency and intelligent monitoring technologies. OOCL said the delivery represents a major milestone in its low-carbon and digital fleet development strategy, supporting the company’s plans for a greener, more efficient, and technologically advanced shipping network.