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| ‍‍COS Weekly News - Friday, 24 July 2026 |
| | ‍In the news... | | | ‍Local News | Trans Mountain CEO expresses confidence in new West Coast pipeline Trans Mountain CEO Mark Maki has expressed confidence that the proposed new West Coast oil pipeline will proceed, citing growing global demand for Canadian energy and the strategic importance of expanding export capacity. The project, which would largely follow the existing Trans Mountain corridor, is expected to double Canada's oil exports to tidewater. Maki believes the new pipeline can be built more efficiently than the previous expansion and says it presents a strong long-term economic case. He also suggested the federal government should retain an ownership stake in the existing Trans Mountain system, describing it as a strategic national asset. | Roberts Bank bulk liquid ban raises questions for pipeline proposal A longstanding policy prohibiting the handling of bulk liquids at Roberts Bank has emerged as a potential obstacle to the proposed new West Coast oil export terminal backed by the federal and Alberta governments. The restriction, established following environmental reviews in 1979 and reaffirmed in 1996, remains in effect under the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Environmental experts note that lifting the prohibition would likely require a comprehensive environmental assessment and public review. Questions also remain regarding the site's capacity and environmental suitability for an oil terminal, particularly given existing port infrastructure and ecological sensitivities. The proposed pipeline and terminal are currently being considered through the federal Major Projects Office. | Port of Vancouver seeks operator for Fraser Wharves terminal The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has launched a process to identify an operator for the 40-acre Fraser Wharves terminal site in Richmond, representing the first major terminal development opportunity at the Port of Vancouver in a decade. The brownfield site offers existing marine, rail, and road infrastructure, including deep-sea vessel access, on-site CN rail connections, and proximity to Highway 99, providing a strategic platform for future bulk export operations. The initiative forms part of the federal Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy to expand trade capacity and support Canada's objective of increasing exports to non-U.S. markets. Expressions of Interest are being accepted until September 11, 2026, with the project expected to strengthen export capacity for Canadian commodities and further enhance the Port of Vancouver's role as Canada's principal Pacific trade gateway. | Delta mayor renews calls for stronger port security amid RBT 2 expansion Delta Mayor George Harvie has renewed calls for enhanced security measures at Canada’s ports as the federal government advances the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project. While supporting trade growth, Harvie argues that increased container capacity should be accompanied by modern security technologies and stronger measures to combat the movement of illicit goods through Canadian ports. He has advocated for greater use of advanced cargo screening technologies, similar to systems deployed at major European ports, rather than reinstating a dedicated port police force. The concerns echo recommendations from a 2023 independent review on port policing, which highlighted issues including limited police presence, insufficient security screening, and the need for improved coordination among enforcement agencies. | Union Pacific and CN reach agreement supporting proposed rail merger Union Pacific and Canadian National (CN) have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework that would preserve rail competition should Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern receive regulatory approval. Under the agreement, CN would gain expanded access to key shipper facilities, acquire Norfolk Southern’s interests in the Kansas City Terminal Railway and the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, and obtain new operating rights across strategic Midwest rail corridors, including a new presence in Kansas City. In return, CN has agreed not to oppose the proposed merger before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. | Davie launches Canadian autonomous maritime company Davie Shipbuilding has established Davie Autonomous Inc., a new Ontario-based company focused on developing and manufacturing autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems in Canada. The company will initially produce advanced uncrewed surface vessels in partnership with U.K.-based Kraken Technology Group. Davie is also exploring production sites across Ontario as part of a broader national manufacturing strategy. The initiative aims to strengthen Canada's sovereign maritime capabilities while supporting applications such as surveillance, search and rescue, coastal security, and defence. The project is expected to create skilled jobs and expand Canadian participation in global defence and technology supply chains. | | ‍Government News | First Ministers advance energy, trade and labour priorities Canada’s First Ministers met in Charlottetown to discuss strengthening the country’s economy, energy security, and trade competitiveness amid ongoing global and U.S. trade challenges. Leaders agreed to accelerate interprovincial electricity projects, improve labour mobility, and advance measures to reduce internal trade barriers. They also committed to exploring greater alignment of carbon markets, supporting investment in both clean and conventional energy sectors. Discussions included trade diversification, public safety, healthcare funding, and continued collaboration on major national priorities. First Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together to build a more resilient, competitive, and prosperous Canada. | Canada expands international green shipping partnership Canada has signed a Green Shipping Corridors Memorandum of Understanding with Spain, expanding a trilateral partnership that also includes Germany to advance lower-emission maritime transportation. The agreement supports collaboration on clean marine fuels, innovative technologies, and modern port infrastructure to strengthen sustainable supply chains between Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. During his visit to Europe, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon also promoted Canada's aerospace sector at the Farnborough International Airshow and met with counterparts from the United Kingdom and Spain. Discussions focused on transportation priorities including decarbonization, high-speed rail, aviation innovation, and infrastructure investment. | Ksi Lisims LNG gains further First Nations support The Ksi Lisims LNG project has reportedly secured support from the Gitga’at First Nation, marking the fifth Indigenous benefits agreement signed for the proposed export facility in northwest British Columbia. The development strengthens momentum as project partners work toward a final investment decision expected in early 2027. Proponents say growing global demand for reliable LNG supplies has improved the project's outlook, while discussions continue with the remaining participating First Nation. The project has already received regulatory approval and is also being considered by the federal government for potential fast-tracking. Legal challenges related to the associated Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, however, remain ongoing. | Salvage and dismantling of MSC Baltic III progresses Salvage operations for the grounded containership MSC Baltic III off Newfoundland have entered the dismantling phase, with crews removing sections of the vessel for recycling. Nearly all cargo containers have now been removed, allowing work to advance toward separating the ship into two sections. The forward portion is expected to be pulled ashore for dismantling before the end of July, while water treatment and environmental remediation activities continue. The Canadian Coast Guard is overseeing the operation as contractors work to complete as much of the salvage as possible before winter conditions return. Final remediation efforts are expected to continue into 2027. | | ‍US News | U.S. Coast Guard reduces mariner credential processing times The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Centre has reduced the estimated processing time for complete merchant mariner credential applications to four months as it continues recovering from the 2026 federal funding lapse. The improvement follows expanded staffing, overtime, workflow enhancements, and other measures to address a significant application backlog. Applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with expedited handling limited to cases involving national defence. Mariners are encouraged to submit complete applications early and verify the validity of their medical certificates. The Coast Guard expects processing times to continue improving as operations return to normal. | Fuel market volatility drives unusual airline fuel shipments Volatile fuel markets have prompted U.S. airlines to adopt new strategies to manage rising costs and supply uncertainty. Southwest Airlines recently chartered a vessel to transport jet fuel from Texas to California for the first time, taking advantage of a temporary waiver of the Jones Act amid supply concerns. Fuel price volatility has been driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting global energy markets. Airlines report significantly higher fuel costs and are relying on current market prices rather than long-term hedging strategies. Industry executives expect elevated fuel prices and disciplined capacity growth to continue influencing airline operations and fares. | U.S. agencies establish framework for offshore nuclear projects The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration and Nuclear Regulatory Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate oversight of any future offshore nuclear energy projects on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. The agreement does not approve or authorize projects but establishes regulatory roles and collaboration should proposals emerge. The framework aims to provide greater clarity for industry while ensuring safety, security, and effective oversight of advanced nuclear technologies. The initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to expand domestic energy production and accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Regulators say the agreement will strengthen preparedness for evaluating potential offshore nuclear developments in the future. | Texas A&M Maritime Academy christens new training vessel Texas A&M University Maritime Academy has celebrated the christening of TS Lone Star State, the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) built for U.S. state maritime academies. The new training ship is designed to help address the shortage of qualified mariners while providing cadets with modern, state-of-the-art training facilities. Academy officials said the arrival of the vessel has already contributed to increased student enrolment and will strengthen maritime education for years to come. The ceremony also highlighted broader efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and support the nation's merchant marine workforce. | | ‍International News | Red Sea tanker attacks heighten regional shipping tensions Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking its first reported strikes since announcing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The incidents have heightened concerns over the security of key shipping routes, with reports of vessels altering course and insurers reassessing transit risks. At the same time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate amid exchanges of threats between the United States and Iran. Analysts warn that simultaneous instability at both strategic maritime chokepoints could significantly disrupt global energy shipments and increase transportation costs. The developments underscore growing risks for commercial shipping across the Middle East. | Wärtsilä and Carnival sign long-term LNG vessel service agreement Wärtsilä and Carnival Corporation have signed an eight-year lifecycle agreement covering four LNG-fuelled cruise ships, including two vessels currently under construction. The agreement provides long-term maintenance, technical support, spare parts, remote monitoring, and performance management for Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines and related equipment. The partnership is designed to improve vessel reliability, reduce unplanned maintenance, and optimize operating costs through a performance-based framework. It also marks the first lifecycle service agreement between the companies for Carnival’s LNG-powered fleet. Both companies say the collaboration will support safe, efficient, and reliable cruise operations over the long term. | Black Sea shipping faces mounting wartime disruptions Commercial shipping in the Black Sea is facing increasing disruption as Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports coincide with Ukrainian drone strikes affecting Russian port operations. Ukraine has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting after attacks temporarily halted traffic through its Black Sea export corridor during the peak grain harvest. Meanwhile, Russia has introduced navigation restrictions at key ports, including Novorossiysk, following drone attacks on maritime infrastructure. The deteriorating security situation has prompted shipping companies to adjust services, with some cargo being rerouted through Romania. At the same time, the European Union has expanded maritime enforcement efforts targeting vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet. | | ‍Upcoming Events | | | ‍Ship of the Week | 24 July - SolidarityGaz-System has announced that Poland’s first floating LNG import terminal (FSRU), due to begin operations in the Bay of Gdańsk in 2028, will be named Solidarity. The terminal is intended to strengthen Poland’s and the wider Baltic region’s energy security by enabling LNG imports from global suppliers. Polish officials said the project reflects regional cooperation and Europe’s commitment to enhancing energy resilience amid evolving geopolitical challenges. The FSRU, currently under construction in South Korea, will provide regasification services under a long-term charter arrangement. The project is expected to become a key component of Poland’s future energy infrastructure and regional gas supply network. |
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