The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has appointed Jeff Scott as Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, effective June 1, 2026. Scott brings more than 30 years of experience in ports, logistics, transportation and terminal operations, having previously held senior leadership roles with Fibreco Exports, Coastal Pacific Xpress and Fraser Surrey Docks. His appointment follows an international executive recruitment process and is expected to support the port authority’s operational and supply chain objectives.

BHP has signed transportation agreements with both CN and CPKC to support exports from its Jansen Potash Mine in Saskatchewan. The agreements will see potash moved by unit trains to Westshore Terminals in Vancouver for shipment to international markets. By securing access to both national rail networks through the Jansen Access Spur, BHP aims to enhance supply chain reliability and flexibility as it prepares for first production from Jansen Stage 1. The arrangements establish key transportation links for one of Canada's largest resource projects and reinforce Vancouver’s role as a major export gateway for Saskatchewan potash destined for global customers.

Excessive rainfall across parts of Alberta has disrupted canola planting, particularly in the northeast, where 100–150 mm of rain fell between May 31 and June 2, leaving many fields saturated and delaying or preventing seeding. Some growers north of the Yellowhead Highway are returning canola seed and may abandon planned acreage altogether, while thousands of acres remain unseeded in the Vermilion and St. Paul regions. In contrast, the same rainfall has provided much-needed moisture for crops in central and southern Alberta, where dry conditions had been a growing concern.

Canadian National Railway moved more than 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada in May 2026, setting a new monthly record and surpassing the previous high of 2.54 million tonnes established in May 2025. The record performance was supported by strong export demand, ample grain supplies and efficient network operations. CN said it continues to maintain supply chain fluidity while positioning its network to support producers, grain companies and export markets throughout the upcoming crop year.

The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is contributing to a surge in cargo theft across North America, with criminals increasingly targeting high-value shipments such as copper, electronics and data centre equipment. Supply chain crime losses in Canada and the U.S. rose 60% in 2025 to nearly US$725 million, driven by organized groups using AI-powered phishing, identity fraud and fake shipping documentation to steal cargo. Experts warn that growing demand for materials used in AI data centres is making these products more attractive targets, while the resulting losses are increasing costs throughout the supply chain and ultimately for consumers.

LNG Canada has authorized the JGC Fluor BC LNG II joint venture to begin limited early-stage work for the proposed Phase 2 expansion of its Kitimat export facility. While a final investment decision has not yet been made, the authorization allows planning and preparatory activities to advance beyond the engineering phase. If approved, the expansion would double LNG Canada’s production capacity from 14 million to approximately 28 million tonnes of LNG annually, further increasing Canada’s LNG export capability to international markets.

BC Ferries has announced the names of its four new largest vessels, which will form the Summit class and serve major routes between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast. The vessels will be named Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple, and Summit Spruce, reflecting British Columbia’s natural environment and coastal identity. The ships are currently being built at a state-owned shipyard in China, a decision that generated considerable public debate over domestic shipbuilding capacity and procurement practices. Once delivered, the vessels will replace aging ferries and help improve reliability and capacity on some of the province’s busiest routes.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based GIT Coatings has introduced XGIT-Vortex, a next-generation graphene-based propeller coating system designed to improve propeller performance, reduce fouling and enhance resistance to cavitation damage. The three-layer coating system is expected to deliver fuel savings of up to 5% while helping maintain propeller smoothness and efficiency throughout the drydock cycle. Launched at Posidonia 2026 in Athens, the product builds on the company’s growing portfolio of marine coating technologies, with more than 600 vessel and propeller coating applications completed worldwide since 2022.

CSL Group has taken delivery of the MV CSL Kuleana, the fourth vessel in a five-ship Kamsarmax newbuild program designed to modernize the CSL International Pool fleet. The self-unloading vessel features a methanol-ready Tier III engine, shore power capability, and an energy-efficient hull design that exceeds current environmental standards. With a cargo capacity of 72,250 tonnes and unloading rates of up to 5,000 tonnes per hour, the vessel is expected to deliver approximately 40% greater efficiency than the ships it replaces while enhancing operational flexibility across global dry bulk trades.

Marine researchers in British Columbia say a collaborative whale detection system being used in San Francisco Bay could help reduce vessel strikes in Canadian waters. The system combines thermal-imaging WhaleSpotter cameras with a public reporting platform to track whale movements in real time and identify high-risk areas. While similar cameras are already used in BC, researchers are encouraging broader deployment, including on ferries, to improve whale detection and support route adjustments as vessel traffic and whale interactions continue to increase.

BC Ferries will implement a temporary 5% fuel surcharge on all routes beginning June 16 following a sharp increase in global fuel prices. The surcharge was approved by the BC Ferry Commission under existing mechanisms designed to address significant fuel cost fluctuations. BC Ferries stated that fuel is one of its largest operating expenses and prices have risen more than 40% since March amid instability in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The company indicated the surcharge will be reduced or removed if fuel prices stabilize or decline for a sustained period. The move follows similar fuel-related surcharges introduced by Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet.

The federal government has postponed the introduction of proposed environmental assessment legislation, extending consultations until July 22 following concerns raised by environmental organizations, Indigenous groups and industry stakeholders. The proposed reforms are intended to streamline project approvals, accelerate decision-making and improve regulatory certainty for major infrastructure and resource developments, including ports, pipelines, mines and energy projects. While industry groups generally support the objective of creating a more efficient approval process, environmental organizations have expressed concerns about potential impacts on environmental protections and species-at-risk requirements. The delay means legislation is now unlikely to be introduced before the fall parliamentary session as the government seeks additional feedback and refinement of the proposed framework.

Documents obtained by CBC News indicate the Government of Alberta is evaluating several potential routes and port locations for a proposed one-million-barrel-per-day oil export pipeline to British Columbia’s coast. Options include routes to areas near Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Stewart, Grassy Point, Nasoga Gulf, and Observatory Inlet, with some corridors resembling the former Northern Gateway Pipeline proposal. The project is expected to be submitted to the federal Major Projects Office by July 1 as a potential nation-building initiative. While consultations with more than 40 Indigenous communities are ongoing, questions remain regarding tanker access, environmental impacts, the federal oil tanker moratorium, and the feasibility of beginning construction as early as 2027.

Transport Canada has announced its 2026 Concentrated Inspection Campaign, which will run from June 1 to September 1, 2026, and apply to Canadian vessels over 15 gross tonnes inspected by either Transport Canada or Canadian Recognized Organizations. This year’s campaign will focus on fire hazard prevention and emergency preparedness, assessing vessel compliance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and related regulations. Inspectors will review areas such as engine room maintenance and cleanliness, ventilation system closures, storage of flammable materials, and crew knowledge of fire response procedures. The campaign is intended to improve regulatory compliance, enhance vessel safety, and strengthen crew readiness in the event of an onboard fire.

Transport Canada has issued its 2026 measures to protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales in the waters of southern British Columbia, effective June 1, 2026. The Interim Order requires all vessels to remain at least 1,000 metres from Southern Resident killer whales and maintains vessel restricted zones off North Pender Island and Saturna Island, speed restricted zones at Swiftsure Bank where vessels must travel at 10 knots or less when safe to do so, and a voluntary 10-knot slowdown in Tumbo Channel. The measures are intended to reduce underwater noise and vessel disturbance in critical whale habitat and will remain in place until November 30, 2026, for the area-based restrictions and until May 31, 2027, for the whale approach distance requirement. Non-compliance may result in significant administrative penalties, fines, or imprisonment.

Transport Canada has issued a Ship Safety Bulletin reminding vessel owners and operators of the importance of properly maintaining and inspecting life-saving appliances on all Canadian vessels. The bulletin highlights recurring issues involving immersion suits, lifejackets, survival craft, rescue boats and hydrostatic release units, emphasizing the need for regular inspections, crew training, proper sizing, and adherence to manufacturer maintenance requirements. Particular attention is drawn to immersion suit zipper maintenance, lifejacket condition and fit, compatibility of replacement survival craft components, and the servicing of hydrostatic release units and inflatable life-saving equipment.

The Trump administration has proposed a new 10% tariff on Canadian exports that do not qualify under CUSMA, citing concerns over forced labour in global supply chains. The measure would affect only a small portion of Canadian exports, with nearly 90% of trade expected to remain exempt under CUSMA rules. The proposed tariff is part of a broader U.S. initiative targeting more than 60 trading partners and remains subject to public consultation and review before any implementation.

Delfin Midstream has reached a final investment decision for the first floating LNG vessel in its offshore Louisiana project, marking a major milestone for what is expected to become the first offshore LNG export terminal in U.S. history. The initial phase represents approximately US$5 billion in investment and will provide 4.4 million tonnes per annum of export capacity. Backed by investors including BlackRock, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Vitol, the facility is expected to begin LNG production in 2030, with additional floating LNG units planned for future development.

Australian farmers are reducing wheat plantings and fertilizer application rates as drought concerns and sharply higher fuel and fertilizer costs linked to Middle East disruptions undermine crop economics. Analysts estimate wheat acreage could decline by 7–20% from last year, with production potentially falling from about 36 million tonnes to as low as 21 million tonnes if dry conditions persist. Similar concerns are emerging in other major exporters, including Argentina and Canada, raising the prospect of tighter global wheat supplies and higher prices. With Australia accounting for a significant share of global wheat exports, reduced production could remove up to 10 million tonnes from world markets.

International Christian Maritime Association - Maritime conditions in the Gulf region and Strait of Hormuz remain highly challenging, with vessel traffic continuing at significantly reduced levels and security risks remaining elevated. While the United States has reportedly facilitated limited air overwatch support for some transits, commercial vessels continue to operate under heightened caution, often utilizing southern routing and minimizing electronic signatures during passage. Industry observers note that although some stranded vessels have departed the region in recent weeks, a return to normal shipping patterns is expected to take months even if a political settlement is achieved. Recent incidents, including a missile strike on a containership in Iraq, reports of a suspected floating mine in the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns regarding the detention of foreign seafarers in Iran, underscore the ongoing risks facing mariners. The welfare and safety of seafarers remain a central concern for the global maritime industry as the situation continues to evolve.

Seaspan Corporation and Hapag-Lloyd have completed the first vessel conversion under their five-ship methanol retrofit program with the delivery of the Seaspan Yangtze. The project is designed to extend vessel life, improve fuel flexibility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with each converted vessel expected to cut annual CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes when operating on low-carbon methanol. Four additional vessels are scheduled for conversion as part of the companies’ broader decarbonization efforts.

Neptune Lines has partnered with Value Maritime to retrofit two pure car and truck carriers, Neptune Tharros and Neptune Ethos, with the company’s Filtree emission-reduction system. The project marks the first application of Value Maritime’s technology in the PCTC sector and will enable compliance with SECA sulphur emission requirements while significantly reducing particulate matter emissions. The compact scrubber system is also designed to be carbon capture ready, allowing future integration of onboard carbon capture technology. Installations are scheduled for summer 2026 and form part of Neptune Lines’ broader strategy to improve fleet environmental performance and advance decarbonization efforts.

Risk Intelligence has secured a contract with the European Maritime Safety Authority (EMSA) to provide access to its Risk Intelligence System and intelligence reporting services. The platform will support the authority’s monitoring of security risks affecting vessels under its flag registry and enhance its ability to provide assessments, recommendations and guidance to shipowners and operators. The agreement further expands Risk Intelligence’s government client base and reflects growing demand for maritime security intelligence tools to support vessel safety, security and regulatory oversight. The contract is expected to contribute to the company’s recurring revenue beginning in the second quarter of 2026.

The United Kingdom and France are reportedly finalizing plans for a multinational mine-clearance operation in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at restoring safe commercial navigation once a political agreement permits the reopening of the waterway. As part of these preparations, the Royal Navy has deployed advanced autonomous mine-disposal systems aboard RFA Lyme Bay, supported by specialist personnel and remotely operated vehicles capable of locating and neutralizing naval mines. The initiative reflects growing concern that mine threats remain one of the principal obstacles to the resumption of normal shipping activity through the strait, even after any ceasefire or diplomatic settlement.

Kpler has secured a strategic investment of more than US$1 billion from Sixth Street to support expansion, product development and growth into adjacent markets. The minority investment will see Kpler’s management remain majority owners, while existing investor Insight Partners retains a stake and Five Arrows exits its investment. Founded as an LNG cargo-tracking specialist, Kpler has grown into a leading provider of trade and maritime intelligence across energy, dry bulk, shipping, power and defence markets, including ownership of MarineTraffic. The investment is among the largest ever made in a maritime and commodity data company and reflects growing demand for real-time trade intelligence and analytics.

Seaspan Corporation and Hapag-Lloyd have completed the first vessel conversion under their five-ship methanol retrofit program with the delivery of the Seaspan Yangtze. The project is designed to extend vessel life, improve fuel flexibility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with each converted vessel expected to cut annual CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes when operating on low-carbon methanol. Four additional vessels are scheduled for conversion as part of the companies’ broader decarbonization efforts.

BC Ferries has welcomed Island xwsaĺux̌ul, the first of four new Island Class vessels being introduced as part of its fleet renewal program. Built at Damen Shipyards, the vessel is expected to enter service this summer on the Nanaimo Harbour–Gabriola Island route following final testing and regulatory approvals. The name xwsaĺux̌ul, meaning “the grassy place,” was gifted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation and reflects the cultural and historical significance of the Nation’s territory. The battery-equipped hybrid vessel is designed for future all-electric operation and forms part of BC Ferries’ broader strategy to improve service reliability, increase passenger and vehicle capacity, and reduce emissions across its inter-island network.