The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has selected TerraMarine as the preferred proponent for the landmass and wharf component of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, a major container terminal expansion planned for the Port of Vancouver. Once completed, the project is expected to increase west coast container capacity by more than 30%, support over $100 billion in annual trade capacity, contribute more than $3 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, and create significant employment opportunities. The project has received key environmental approvals and agreements with 27 First Nations. Construction planning will now advance toward financial close and early works, with major land reclamation activities expected to begin in 2028 and terminal operations anticipated in the mid-2030s.

A new report from Royal Bank of Canada warns that transportation infrastructure constraints are becoming a growing risk to Canada’s grain export competitiveness despite record crop production and export volumes. The report notes that rail networks, port terminals, and key transportation corridors are struggling to keep pace with increasing demand, creating vulnerabilities to congestion, labour disruptions, and operational bottlenecks. Particular attention is drawn to critical infrastructure such as the Second Narrows Rail Bridge in Vancouver, which serves a significant portion of Canada's grain exports. RBC argues that targeted investments in rail, port, and trade corridor infrastructure are essential to support export growth, strengthen supply chain resilience, and advance Canada's efforts to diversify agricultural trade beyond the U.S. market.

DP World has completed a $9 million infrastructure upgrade at its Fraser Surrey terminal that is expected to unlock up to two million metric tonnes of additional annual export capacity. The project, supported by $2 million in federal funding, involved removing a legacy in-river training wall that had constrained vessel access and terminal operations for decades. The upgrade is expected to improve vessel maneuverability, berth utilization, and cargo throughput, particularly for grain, steel, project cargo, and other bulk exports. By enhancing capacity within existing infrastructure, the project is anticipated to support approximately 100,000 additional labour hours annually while strengthening the efficiency and resilience of Canada’s West Coast trade gateway and export supply chains.

LNG Canada and its joint venture participants have signed an equity option agreement with MNT Investments LP, representing the economic development organizations of the Gitga’at, Gitxaała, Haisla, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum First Nations. The agreement provides an opportunity for the Nations to invest up to $1 billion and acquire a majority ownership interest in a special purpose entity that would own a planned LNG storage tank associated with LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat. If completed, the transaction would represent one of the largest Indigenous ownership positions in major Canadian infrastructure and a significant Indigenous investment in the country’s LNG sector. The agreement is contingent on a final investment decision for Phase 2, which LNG Canada is targeting by the end of 2026.

Seaspan has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for the construction of two ASD Tug 2813 escort tugs that will join the fleet of HaiSea Marine. The vessels, which will be built in Vietnam and delivered in late 2027, will feature winterization enhancements and Fire Fighting Class 1 capabilities, with a bollard pull of up to 70 tonnes. The order marks the first Damen tugs to enter the Seaspan fleet and further supports HaiSea Marine’s growing operations on British Columbia’s North Coast. The investment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance marine safety, operational capability, and environmental stewardship in support of regional shipping and energy projects.

The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office has approved a 25 per cent increase in the future production capacity of the Haisla Nation-led Cedar LNG project, raising its authorized liquefaction capacity from three million to 3.75 million tonnes of LNG annually. Currently under construction in Kitimat, Cedar LNG is expected to begin operations in late 2028 and will utilize natural gas supplied through the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Project proponents state that the increased capacity will be achieved through operational efficiencies and will not result in additional greenhouse gas emissions, as the facility will use electricity from BC Hydro to power its liquefaction process. The approval represents another step in the expansion of Canada’s LNG export sector and reinforces Kitimat’s growing role as a major energy export hub serving Asian markets.

A humpback whale known as Starry Knight has returned to the Salish Sea after not being sighted for more than 10 months, providing an encouraging outcome following two serious entanglement incidents in 2025. The whale was observed near Gabriola Island on July 14 after surviving separate rescues from fishing gear last summer, including one incident involving more than 60 metres of line and another that aggravated existing injuries. Wildlife observers report that the whale appears to be in good condition despite the severity of the previous entanglements. The sighting underscores both the importance of the Salish Sea as critical feeding habitat for humpback whales and the ongoing need for efforts to reduce whale entanglements in fishing gear and other marine debris.

A new Canadian research initiative has developed a decision-support framework to help the marine industry navigate the complex trade-offs involved in achieving long-term sustainability goals, including the transition toward zero-impact shipping by 2050. Led by Clear Seas, the National Research Council, the University of British Columbia, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the project concluded that no single technology or fuel will provide a universal solution to the sector’s environmental challenges. Instead, decisions involving emissions reduction, underwater noise, water quality, operational performance, Indigenous interests, economic considerations, and supply chain resilience require a structured evaluation of competing priorities and potential trade-offs. The framework is intended to support more transparent and evidence-based decision-making as the maritime sector evaluates future investments in vessel technologies, alternative fuels, and environmental protection measures.

The Port of Québec has secured provincial and federal funding to advance a 15-megawatt shore power installation at Cruise Terminal 30, with operations targeted to begin in 2028. The project is expected to allow cruise vessels to connect to Québec’s hydroelectric grid while alongside, significantly reducing emissions, noise, and fuel consumption during port stays. Port officials estimate that approximately 82% of cruise vessel time at berth could be electrified, resulting in greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 90% and avoiding an estimated 70,000 tonnes of emissions over time. The initiative aligns with broader efforts across the Canada/New England cruise corridor to expand shore power infrastructure and support lower-emission maritime operations, while enhancing the region’s attractiveness as a sustainable cruise destination.

The federal government has referred the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy to the Major Projects Office, marking a significant step toward expanding capacity at Canada’s largest and most trade-diverse port. The strategy focuses on four key pillars: advancing the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project, expanding land use and infrastructure for bulk export terminals, optimizing and expanding rail capacity, and strengthening environmental protections. The initiative is intended to support Canada’s objective of increasing trade diversification and growing exports to non-U.S. markets, while enhancing the efficiency and resilience of national supply chains. As part of the strategy, the federal government also reaffirmed investments in marine environmental protection, including measures to support Southern Resident killer whale recovery, reduce underwater vessel noise, and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities and industry stakeholders.

The Governments of Canada and Alberta, together with five major oilsands producers, have reached an agreement to advance the Pathways Project, a large-scale carbon capture and storage initiative intended to reduce emissions from oilsands operations. The project would involve a carbon dioxide transportation and storage network connecting northern Alberta production sites to a storage hub near Cold Lake, with initial infrastructure targeted to be operational by 2032. The agreement includes federal and provincial incentives for carbon capture investments and is linked to broader efforts to support future oilsands production growth and major energy infrastructure development, including a proposed new West Coast export pipeline. Project proponents estimate the system could capture and store approximately six million tonnes of CO₂ annually by the mid-2030s, supporting Canada's energy, trade, and emissions reduction objectives.

Calian Group and six Atlantic Canadian partners have announced the creation of the Canadian Arctic Maritime Security Consortium (CAMSC), the first integrated Canadian consortium focused on Arctic and maritime security capabilities. The partnership brings together expertise in ship design, maritime operations, training, Arctic forecasting, vessel maintenance, Indigenous participation, and applied research to support Canada's evolving defence, Arctic sovereignty, and maritime security objectives. A key early initiative will be the development of a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Maritime and Arctic Training, aimed at advancing workforce development, simulation, operational training, and applied research for northern operations. The consortium aligns with recent federal investments in defence and Arctic security and highlights the growing role of Atlantic Canada and Indigenous partners in strengthening Canada's sovereign maritime and defence capabilities.

Residents and local stakeholders are raising concerns about potential environmental impacts after a 38-foot pleasure craft broke apart along the shoreline in Qualicum Beach. The Canadian Coast Guard previously attended the vessel, removing approximately 95 litres of diesel fuel and deploying containment measures, but the vessel later fragmented during adverse weather conditions. Debris, including batteries, fuel tanks, and other equipment, has been scattered along the beach, prompting concerns about fuel contamination and impacts on sensitive marine habitat and local fisheries. The incident has renewed calls for increased federal funding and action to address derelict and abandoned vessels along British Columbia’s coastline before they become environmental hazards.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has unanimously passed a resolution opposing proposed federal project approval reforms if they weaken environmental protections, limit meaningful consultation, or circumvent First Nations’ rights and free, prior, and informed consent. The resolution responds to the federal government's plan to accelerate approvals for major infrastructure projects, including measures intended to streamline Indigenous consultation and reduce approval timelines. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stated that project approval timelines cannot override First Nations’ rights and warned that compressed processes could undermine the legitimacy of project decisions. The issue is expected to be a key topic at a First Ministers’ meeting scheduled for October, highlighting the ongoing importance of Indigenous participation and consultation in the development of major resource and transportation projects across Canada.

Asian refiners have increased purchases of U.S. crude oil as concerns grow over potential supply disruptions linked to renewed tensions in the Middle East and slower vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that refiners in South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have secured several million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for summer delivery despite higher costs compared to some Middle Eastern grades. The buying activity reflects efforts by refiners to diversify supply sources and mitigate geopolitical risks associated with one of the world's most important energy shipping corridors. The trend highlights how regional conflicts can quickly influence global crude trade flows, tanker demand, and energy supply chain strategies.

JPMorganChase has announced a $24 million investment package aimed at strengthening Philadelphia’s shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sector, supporting workforce development, supplier growth, and industrial capacity tied to the U.S. defence industrial base. The initiative includes funding for a new submarine manufacturing and assembly facility expected to create approximately 450 permanent jobs, expanded apprenticeship and skills training programs, and support for local maritime suppliers. The investment reflects growing efforts in the United States to address workforce shortages, modernize shipbuilding infrastructure, and strengthen domestic maritime capabilities amid increasing focus on economic resilience and national security. Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and regional maritime cluster are expected to play a key role in supporting future shipbuilding and defence-related activities.

Debate over the U.S. administration’s temporary Jones Act waiver continues as U.S.-flag vessel operators and maritime labour groups argue the measure has primarily benefited refiners rather than consumers. According to analysis from Overseas Shipholding Group, the waiver has enabled foreign-flag tankers to conduct domestic energy shipments traditionally reserved for U.S.-flag vessels, while refining margins have increased significantly since the policy was introduced. Supporters of the waiver maintain that additional shipping capacity has helped stabilize fuel markets during a period of geopolitical uncertainty, while critics contend there is limited evidence that savings have translated into lower fuel prices.

The U.S. administration is reportedly considering a further extension of temporary Jones Act waivers that allow foreign-flagged vessels to transport certain cargoes between U.S. ports. The waivers were initially introduced to increase shipping capacity and help manage energy supply and price pressures, particularly for commodities such as oil, fuel, and fertilizer. Discussions are reportedly focused on whether any future extension should include geographic limitations to balance supply chain flexibility with concerns raised by U.S. maritime interests. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and maritime employment under the Jones Act and the need for additional vessel capacity during periods of market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.

Hyundai Motor and Kia’s mobile robot platform, MobED, has successfully completed what is being described as the world’s first autonomous driving demonstration aboard an operational vessel. Conducted in partnership with Korean Register, HMM, HMM Ocean Service, and Goseong Engineering, the trial demonstrated the robot’s ability to navigate and operate within a moving ship environment, including cargo holds and other onboard areas. The results suggest autonomous robots could support future smart ship operations by performing cargo area inspections, monitoring hazardous spaces, and transporting materials in locations that may be difficult or unsafe for crew access.

China’s Sealegend Shipping plans to introduce the first scheduled weekly container service between China and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) during the 2026 Arctic navigation season. The service will operate eight sailings between August and October using a fleet of seven container vessels, offering a seasonal alternative to the traditional Suez Canal route and aiming to reduce transit times between Asia and Northern Europe to approximately 20–22 days. While Arctic container shipping has historically been limited to trial voyages and irregular services, the introduction of a liner-style schedule represents a significant milestone in the commercial development of Arctic trade routes. The initiative reflects growing interest in the NSR as a potential supplement to established global shipping corridors, although seasonal ice conditions, infrastructure limitations, insurance costs, and operational uncertainties continue to constrain wider adoption.

Tianjin Port has achieved a new milestone with the successful arrival of the ultra-large bulk carrier Zhonghai Ronghua, carrying 311,000 tonnes of cargo and arriving with a draft of 22.18 metres, the deepest-draft vessel ever accommodated at the port. The operation required extensive planning, including detailed channel assessments, tidal analysis, real-time weather monitoring, and the coordination of six tugboats to safely transit the vessel during a high-tide window. The successful call highlights Tianjin Port’s growing capability to handle ultra-large bulk carriers and reinforces its position as a key international trade gateway. The achievement also reflects ongoing investments in port infrastructure, navigation management, and marine services to support larger and more efficient vessel operations.