HaiSea Marine has completed its 100th LNG carrier escort through the Douglas Channel to LNG Canada’s terminal in Kitimat. The milestone comes just over a year after the company conducted its first escort operation, highlighting the reliability and performance of its fleet of electric and dual-fuel tugboats. The operation was carried out using a combination of escort and fully electric tugs, supporting the safe transit of LNG carriers through the region. HaiSea, a partnership between the Haisla Nation and Seaspan, continues to create employment opportunities for Indigenous mariners while supporting LNG export operations on British Columbia’s North Coast. The achievement reflects the growing role of the company in regional marine transportation and energy infrastructure.

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) has launched Phase 2 of its industrial lands development at 4456 Salish Sea Way, offering a large-scale site next to Canada’s largest port gateway. This large‑format industrial site offers a leasehold interest in Tsawwassen fee simple lands, zoning certainty, and a streamlined approval process under TFN’s treaty‑based governance framework. TEDC is seeking long‑term, values‑aligned tenants through a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Proposals are due July 31, 2026.

HaiSea Marine has announced plans to expand its fleet in British Columbia through orders for three new tugboats from Sanmar Shipyards and Damen Shipyards. The company has commissioned a 40-metre escort tug with a bollard pull of up to 100 tonnes, along with two azimuth stern drive tugs designed to assist LNG carriers. The new vessels will support marine operations at LNG facilities on Canada’s West Coast and enhance towing, escort, and docking capabilities. HaiSea Marine, majority-owned by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Seaspan, currently operates a fleet of electric and dual-fuel escort tugs serving LNG Canada in Kitimat. The expansion reflects continued investment in marine infrastructure supporting growing LNG export activity in British Columbia.

BHP will record a $2.3 billion impairment on its Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan following a review that identified significant cost increases and schedule delays. The mine’s Stage 2 expansion is now expected to cost $6.9 billion, roughly 30% higher than previous estimates, with first production delayed until late 2031. Combined costs for Stages 1 and 2 are now projected to reach $15.3 billion, making this the latest in a series of cost overruns for the project. Despite the challenges, BHP remains committed to Jansen as a key part of its long-term diversification strategy. Once fully operational, the mine is expected to account for approximately 10% of global potash production and remain one of the lowest-cost producers in Canada.

HTEC has opened Canada’s first commercial 700‑bar hydrogen refuelling station for heavy-duty trucks, located on Tsawwassen First Nation industrial lands. The initial deployment of 12 fuel-cell electric trucks will help integrate hydrogen into day-to-day fleet operations and reinforce the continued build-out of HTEC's Metro Vancouver Hydrogen Transportation Hub. With support from government and industry partners including Harbour Link Container Services and Triple Eight Transport, the project advances clean fuel infrastructure while reinforcing BC’s role in hydrogen innovation.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has appointed Jeremy Dunn as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 7, 2026. Dunn joins GVHA from the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, where he held senior leadership roles overseeing port operations, commercial development, and waterfront asset management. During his tenure, he helped advance major industrial and infrastructure projects, including significant investments in port-related facilities along the Welland Canal. GVHA’s Board cited his extensive experience in business growth, partnership development, and project delivery as key factors in his appointment. Dunn succeeds interim CEO Don Krusel and will lead the organization as it advances its long-term vision for Victoria’s harbour and waterfront properties.

The City of Prince Rupert, the District of Port Edward, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority have signed a 10-year agreement establishing a predictable framework for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) on undeveloped federal port lands. The agreement replaces annual valuation disputes and revenue fluctuations by linking payments to BC Assessment data and municipal tax rates. Local officials say the arrangement will provide greater financial certainty, support long-term budgeting, and strengthen regional planning as trade activity continues to grow on the North Coast. The agreement applies to both occupied and vacant port lands within municipal boundaries, including undeveloped areas such as portions of Ridley Island. The parties say the deal enhances collaboration and positions the region to capitalize on future economic opportunities.

Researchers have confirmed the sighting of an endangered North Pacific right whale near Malcolm Island, marking only the seventh recorded sighting of the species in British Columbia waters. Experts believe the whale is a juvenile, making the observation particularly significant for a population estimated at fewer than 50 individuals. The sighting offers encouraging evidence that the critically endangered species may still be reproducing, as calves have rarely been documented in recent decades. Scientists hope the encounter will provide valuable insights into the whale’s habitat, feeding patterns, and migration routes. The species remains threatened by limited food availability, vessel strikes, and entanglement risks, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts.

The Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC), has released a survey to gather input on challenges that affect the movement of Business Visitors, Traders and Investors, and Intra‑Company Transferees. The insights collected will directly shape the recommendations that CERC, and others will present to both the US and Canadian governments as part of a coordinated effort to modernize the administration of Chapter 16 of CUSMA and strengthen cross‑border mobility. Click here to access the survey.

Exceptionally low tides are expected along Vancouver Island this weekend and early next week, creating ideal conditions for exploring tide pools and coastal ecosystems. The low water levels are the result of several natural factors aligning, including a new moon, the moon’s closest approach to Earth, and seasonal influences associated with the summer solstice. Scientists note that warm temperatures and high-pressure weather systems may further lower water levels while increasing stress on marine organisms exposed to the sun and heat. While the event offers a unique opportunity to observe intertidal species, experts encourage visitors to tread carefully and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats. The unusually low tides are forecast to peak on Monday morning.

G7 leaders have announced a new coordinated effort to combat global drug trafficking, with a particular focus on strengthening maritime and port security. As part of the initiative, a G7+ Ports Network will be established to enhance cooperation among major ports, share intelligence, and promote best practices to prevent the movement of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals through supply chains. The network will work alongside existing international initiatives and engage both public and private sector stakeholders. Ministers have been tasked with implementing the network by November 2026 and developing additional measures to protect ports from criminal infiltration. The declaration also calls for stronger international cooperation, financial crime enforcement, and actions to disrupt organized crime networks linked to drug trafficking.

During the seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through to July 7th, the Government of British Columbia has launched BC Business House at the Vancouver Convention Centre to showcase BC's key sectors and opportunities. Each showcase provides the opportunity to connect with business leaders, government partners, investors, and existing and potential customers to explore opportunities and advance commercial connections.  To learn more or register, visit: BC Business House - Trade and Invest BC.

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has released its final report into the 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible, concluding that the disaster resulted from design flaws, inadequate risk management, and a lack of effective regulatory oversight. Investigators found that the vessel’s carbon-fibre pressure hull accumulated damage over multiple dives and was operated without sufficient validation, testing, or safety controls. The report also highlighted concerns about OceanGate’s organizational structure and decision-making processes, which prioritized innovation over established engineering and safety practices. In addition, the TSB identified gaps in Canadian and international oversight of submersibles, noting that information held by various government agencies was not effectively shared.

The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Marine Response Station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, has resumed operations for the 2026 season. Established in 2018 as the first Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue facility in the Arctic, the station plays a key role in supporting marine safety across western Hudson Bay. Crews work alongside local Inuit communities, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other northern partners to respond to a range of marine emergencies, including medical incidents, disabled vessels, and boats in distress. The station provides seasonal search and rescue coverage during the Arctic navigation period and is scheduled to remain operational until November 2026.

A growing debate has emerged in the United States over temporary waivers to the Jones Act, the century-old law requiring domestic cargo movements to be carried on U.S.-built, owned, and crewed vessels. Critics argue that recent waivers introduced in response to disruptions in global oil markets have created uncertainty for the U.S. maritime and shipbuilding sectors while delivering limited benefits to fuel prices. Industry representatives contend that long-term investment in shipbuilding requires stable policy and regulatory certainty. Supporters of the Jones Act continue to emphasize its role in supporting domestic maritime jobs, shipbuilding capacity, and national security. The discussion has renewed calls for broader reforms aimed at strengthening the U.S. maritime industry while maintaining the law’s core objectives.

DP World is in exclusive negotiations to develop and operate a new container terminal at the Port of Corpus Christi, which would mark the company’s first container terminal investment in the United States. The proposed project would diversify cargo operations at the Texas port, which is currently focused primarily on energy and bulk commodity exports. Recent channel deepening and widening projects have enhanced the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels, including super-post-Panamax ships. If finalized, the terminal would strengthen supply chain connectivity and expand access to global markets for U.S. businesses. The development would also represent a significant milestone for both DP World and the Port of Corpus Christi as they expand into containerized trade.

The European Union has clarified that its forthcoming ban on Russian LNG will extend beyond imports into Europe, prohibiting EU-based companies from transporting, trading, or marketing Russian LNG anywhere in the world. The interpretation means European shipowners, traders, and energy companies will no longer be able to handle Russian LNG cargoes destined for non-EU markets once the restrictions take effect in 2027. The decision is expected to have significant implications for Russia’s Arctic LNG projects, which rely heavily on vessels and commercial arrangements involving European companies. Major LNG buyers and investors with long-term Russian supply agreements may also face contractual and operational challenges.

Iran has announced plans to introduce maritime transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz within two months as negotiations continue under the recently signed U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding. While the U.S. has lifted its blockade of Iranian ports and commercial traffic has resumed, Iran has indicated it intends to exert greater oversight of the strategic waterway. The proposal has drawn opposition from Gulf states, with Saudi Arabia arguing that navigation through the strait functioned effectively before the conflict and should return to previous arrangements. Technical discussions between the U.S. and Iran will continue on implementing the agreement, including sanctions relief and restoring commercial shipping.

Global fertilizer shipments have fallen 11% year-over-year since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, largely due to disruptions in exports from the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Shipments of phosphates, urea, and sulphur have been particularly affected, contributing to tighter supply and higher fertilizer prices. The disruption has had the greatest impact on the supramax and handysize dry bulk sectors, which rely heavily on fertilizer cargoes. Following the recent U.S.–Iran ceasefire agreement and plans to restore safe passage through the strait, fertilizer exports are expected to rebound as delayed cargoes move to market. While production in the region is expected to recover, some facilities in Qatar and the UAE may continue operating below full capacity due to war-related damage.

Industry representatives at the Breakbulk Europe conference raised concerns about the growing complexity and cost of environmental regulations affecting the shipping sector. Executives from multipurpose and container shipping companies argued that compliance requirements can reduce cargo capacity, increase operating costs, and create uncertainty without always delivering clear environmental benefits. Concerns were also expressed about carbon compliance mechanisms and the lack of clarity around which alternative fuels will become widely available in the future. This uncertainty is contributing to limited new vessel orders, particularly in the multipurpose and heavy-lift sectors.

ABS, Polaris Shipping, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and AVIKUS have launched a joint study to develop a “Conditional Unmanned Bridge” concept for large ore carriers operating on deep-sea voyages. The project will examine how autonomous navigation systems can allow vessels to operate without personnel on the bridge during specific low-risk conditions, such as open-ocean transits, while retaining crew oversight when required. The initiative aligns with the development of the IMO’s Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code and is viewed as a practical near-term application of autonomous shipping technology. The study will assess operational, design, safety, and regulatory requirements using real-world vessel data and safety evaluations.

Seaspan has taken delivery of the Glovis Lighthouse, one of the world’s largest car carriers with a capacity exceeding 10,000 vehicles. Built in partnership with Hyundai Glovis, the vessel features 14 cargo decks, including adjustable decks and ramp systems that enhance cargo flexibility and efficiency. Powered by dual-fuel LNG engines, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 24% compared to conventional fuels while exceeding current energy efficiency standards. The vessel is also designed to be compatible with future methanol and ammonia fuel conversions. Delivered under a long-term charter to Hyundai Glovis, the vessel highlights ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in global automotive shipping.