New trucking group vows to ‘disrupt the status quo,’ wanting more input on policy and regulations affecting the trucking industry. The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) was created over the last two months, and recently brought together at its inaugural gala more than 1,000 people representing about 200 carriers. The CTOA feels the growing segment...Read More
On January 23, 2023 the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has provided sufficient detail in response to questions posed in the August 2020 information request regarding effects of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project on fish habitat, salinity, and Indigenous people in sufficient detail. The federal timeline...Read More
On February 14th California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff will hold a virtual workshop to discuss the findings and recommendations included in the Interim Evaluation Report (“Report”) that was released to the public on December 1, 2022. The Report is designed to provide an implementation status update for the Control Measure for Ocean-Going Vessels (OGVs)...Read More
Tidewater Container Services Inc. has released the 2023 Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility (TCEF) Tariff and Fee Schedule for Marine Container Examination Services (MCEF). This is the first fee structure adjustment since the start up of operations in 2019 and reflect actual operational and labour costs increases experienced year over year for the past 3 years...Read More
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is moving forward with revisions to the 2014 guidelines for commercial ships in order to reduce underwater noise that threatens some marine species. The draft revisions, which still need to be approved by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee this summer. The revised guidelines detail best practices for commercial ships...Read More
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published, for consultation, its proposed recommendations to the Secretary of State on its Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) for shipping retained from the EU. Industry views on a UK shipping line alliance regulation are due by February 23rd. The CMA’s proposed recommendation to the secretary of state...Read More
Canada’s Energy Innovation Program has opened its intake for expressions of interest for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects and related science activities focused on carbon storage and transportation. Funded under the Energy Innovation Program, RD&D projects and related science activities selected through this intake will help develop permanent geological storage...Read More
The first annual report from the Net-Zero Advisory Body, an independent group of nine experts from across Canada with a range of experience and expertise, was released by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Following the Body’s substantive submission to the Government’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan last March, they have been engaging with...Read More
Over its nearly 120-year history Maersk has made many acquisitions that operate under different brand names due to differentiated business models. These include APM Terminals, Maersk Container Industry (MCI), Svitzer, Maersk Supply Service (MSS), Maersk Training, and Maersk Line Limited (MLL). Maersk has announced its intent to begin moving the companies to one unified Maersk...Read More
Canada Border Services Agency has released a long-awaited update to its Memorandum D3-5-1 – Marine Pre-load/Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements. Among other revisions, the new Memorandum incorporates policy decisions that have been made over recent years with respect to vessels arriving at anchorages and the reporting practices in place.Read More
On January 26, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) joined other customs agencies around the world in marking International Customs Day. This year’s international theme is “nurturing the next generation by promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in customs”, one that resonates well with the CBSA in their 20th anniversary year. Key CBSA...Read More
On January 19 the Government of Canada launched an online survey was launched to seek feedback on the potential management measures to help the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Your ideas and feedback will help refine the potential management measures and provide an understanding of potential implications of the options being considered. The public...Read More
A coal company and a First Nation in British Columbia have struck a rare deal to give the community the power to veto a proposed mining project, which could set a precedent for how natural resources projects are developed in Canada. NWP Coal Canada and the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (YQT), also known as the Tobacco Plains...Read More
Major coal producers are in talks with the government of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, over its surprise plan to have miners reserve up to 10% of production for domestic supply, as part of efforts to curb soaring energy costs. Australia is seeking to drive down costs for households by capping gas and...Read More
BNSF Railway Company has revealed its plan to invest $3.96 billion this year to improve its operations. The largest component of this year’s capital plan, $2.85 billion, is devoted to maintaining BNSF’s core network and related assets. Investing in BNSF’s existing infrastructure ensures the railroad is in top condition, which results in less unscheduled service outages that...Read More
On Thursday, Jan. 19, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka gave his 2023 State of the Port speech to a live audience with more than 500 in attendance at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center. The annual event was presented by the Port of Los Angeles and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. He announced...Read More
More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics. The Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada are contributing a combined $18.8 million to join with Paper Excellence’s investment that will result in more...Read More
India’s government is preparing to impose a remarkable set of vessel age restrictions on all ships handling Indian cargo. The restrictions would prevent Indian owners from buying and registering any ship over 20 years of age and would require deregistration after 25 years. Similar restrictions would be applied to foreign-flag tonnage when engaged in handling “EXIM/coastal...Read More
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, concluded a trade mission which sought to position Canada as a key partner to Japan on energy security in the context of the global energy transition. The Minister highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation on hydrogen and critical minerals, while highlighting the progress on LNG Canada and underscoring...Read More
Saskatchewan, along with Manitoba, appeared virtually before the Federal Court on Wednesday to seek leave to intervene in a judicial review of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s new gateway infrastructure fees. The fees range from eight to 40 cents per tonne for bulk, non-containerized cargo, including potash and grain, depending on the terminal through which...Read More
The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has reported that 24.6 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Prince Rupert in 2022, two percent behind 2021 volumes. Growth at DP World’s Fairview terminal saw a 2 percent decrease in its intermodal volumes due to congestion at inland ports that impacted operations and fluidity. Demand...Read More
The British Columbia Ferry Services Board has announced that Nicolas Jimenez will be the next President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Ferries, effective March 6, 2023. Mr. Jimenez, who is currently the President and CEO of the Insurance Corporation of B.C., was selected following an international executive search. Interim CEO Jill Sharland will return...Read More
The International Association of Port and Harbour (IAPH) has issued newly-created risk and resilience guidelines for ports, together with a new risk inventory portal aimed at sharing best practices on risk mitigation and management for ports. Applying the same pragmatic approach by the IAPH-WPSP COVID19 Taskforce, the newly issued guidelines are the first IAPH tool produced by...Read More
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and Unifor have reached a tentative collective agreement for 1,200 workers who are responsible for maintaining rail cars and locomotives. Negotiations have been ongoing since September. The details of the tentative contract will not be released publicly until the agreement has been ratified. The contract covers workers at 18 locations from...Read More
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of up to $22.7 million to support improvements for the Welland Canal under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The $45.3 million project will support the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of three wharves, currently out-of-service, located at the Welland Canal in Port...Read More
The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced amendments to the Transportation Information Regulations to increase supply chain transparency and create a better understanding of the performance of Canada’s freight rail sector for the benefit of all rail users. Additional data will also be required by Transport Canada to support targeted public policy and other regulatory purposes,...Read More
The Government of Canada has filed a complaint with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) against the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for breaching its duty to bargain in good faith. PSAC is moving forward with conducting strike votes ahead of recommendations still to be tabled by the Public Interest...Read More
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) and DP World are developing a conceptual terminal design and operating model for a common-user short-sea shipping terminal within the Richmond Properties on the Fraser River. The site could accommodate up to two barge berths, container storage and staging, a truck gate, and a rail spur. This design phase...Read More
40Seas, an innovative fintech startup is hoping to close the $1.7 trillion global trade finance gap, providing a solution that enables digital B2B payment functionality while facilitating cross-border trade between SMEs. While SMEs account for 43% of cross-border trade volume but are more likely to be denied access to trade financing than multinational companies. 40Seas’...Read More
The Biden administration released its US National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization outlining plans to eliminate all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the sector by 2050. A whole-of-government approach is being taken starting with the blueprint developed collaboratively by the US Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The...Read More
Ending the “chicken and egg debate” Cargill has teamed up with Mitsu & Co to place an order for two methanol-fuelled Kamsarmax carriers in Japan. The order was reportedly signed last month and the ships are scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026 respectively. Other carriers signalling...Read More
The Government of Canada is working to improve its ability to work together with Indigenous communities, the marine industry, regional, municipal, provincial and territorial governments to respond to marine pollution incidents that involve oil and/or hazardous and noxious substances. Recognizing there is room for improvement, a Marine Pollution Preparedness, Response and Recovery Discussion Paper outlining...Read More
Declining world supply chain pressures are being challenged by new disruptions in China tied to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Federal Reserve reported on Friday. The easing of China’s restrictions has resulted in a massive wave of coronavirus infections, which threaten to keep pressure on the ability to ship goods out of China. Freight booking...Read More
The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and the World Shipping Council have filed a Petition for Review of the Commission’s Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) regarding Docket No. 2022-0066. The petition suggests that the Federal Maritime Commission’s proposal to create an entirely new demurrage and detention billing framework will undermine and...Read More
On January 1, 2023, at 0:05 a.m., the MSC Donata was the first ocean-going vessel of the year 2023 to cross the Port of Montreal’s downstream limit at Sorel without a stopover. True to a tradition that dates back more than 180 years, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is awarding the Gold-headed Cane to its Captain,...Read More
The Government of Canada’s has introduced temporary negative COVID-19 test requirement for air travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao (Government of Canada announces a temporary negative COVID-19 test requirement for travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao – Canada.ca). Please note, the requirement is...Read More
Canadian National announced that the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference has ratified a new contract agreement covering approximately 160 CN rail traffic controllers in Canada. The agreement, ratified on Dec. 23, is effective through Dec. 31, 2025 and includes wage increases of 3% in 2023, 3% in 2024, and 2.5% in 2025, as well as other benefits.Read More
The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has published proposed revisions to its Port Information Guide for comments. The most notable change for carriers and agents is the prohibition on the use of open-loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems within the port authority’s jurisdiction. Comments are due by Feburary 5th.Read More
A Florida Judge awarded more than $440M in damages to the Havana Docks Corp., a decision that Royal Caribbean and Carnival will appeal. US District Judge Beth Bloom ruled that the use of the Havana Cruise Port Terminal constitutes trafficking in confiscated property owned by the plaintiff. This Delaware-registered company is owned by two individuals said...Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has just published this morning the revised directive D-98-08 Entry requirements for wood packaging material into Canada that includes the new shipborne dunnage program. The new directive will be fully applicable as of July 6th, 2023. The Chamber of Shipping will be discussing the new directive at our upcoming Operations Committee...Read More
The CFIA has published the results of the annual Plant Health Surveillance Program for 2021-2022. The report includes a provincial breakdown of the detections or spread of plant pests of concern and how the CFIA responds to these findings. Canada is considered free of the Asian longhorned beetle and the Emerald ash borer, while Spongy...Read More
Arizona will take down a makeshift wall made of shipping containers at the Mexico border, settling a lawsuit and political tussle with the US government over trespassing on federal lands. The Biden administration and the Republican governor entered into an agreement that Arizona will cease installing the containers in the Coronado National Forest — the...Read More
The HTMS Sukhothai, a US-built corvette carrying approximately 70 crew and 35 other naval and military personnel, including marines, sank a day after it left Sattahip Naval base in Chonburi last Saturday heading for Chumphon for a naval ceremony to celebrate the founder or ‘father’ of the service Krom Luang Chumphon Khet-Radomska whose birthday was the...Read More
On Tuesday, a group of the world’s largest vessel charterers sent a letter to BIMCO stating that they will refuse to use the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) clause because “it places the obligation to comply with CII disproportionately on charterers. 23 signatories included shipping lines Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd; agricultural shipping giants ADM,...Read More
Last Thursday, the Treasury Board announced plans to roll out a one-size-fits-all approach to return federal public servants to their offices for 2-3 days per week starting in January. While some exceptions apply, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) demands a halt to the Treasury Board’s plans to mandate employees back...Read More
The Government of Canada has determined the significant adverse environmental effects of Glencore’s proposed Sukunka Coal Mine Project, an open-pit metallurgical coal mine located near Tumbler Ridge, BC, cannot be mitigated and therefore will not proceed. The project had planned to produce 3 million tonnes of hard coking coal per year for export to overseas...Read More
At the United Nation’s Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced new support for ocean restoration, conservation, and research across Canada, backed up by $227.5 million in funding. Initiatives in the funding envelope will further Canada’s efforts on marine conservation by improving our...Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced that the common name for AGM (formerly known as Asian gypsy moth and comprising Lymantria dispar asiatica, L. d. japonica,L. albescens, L. postalba and L. umbrosa) has been changed to “flighted spongy moth complex” or FSMC. This name change will be consistent among all countries that regulate or are...Read More
Effective January 1st, 2023, the “ITB” name, including “Island Tug and Barge”, “ITB Subsea” and “ITB Marine Group” will rebrand to “Tidewater Canada” under the new Tidewater Canada logo. As such, Island Tug and Barge will formally become “Tidewater Transportation Canada Inc.” and ITB Subsea will become “Tidewater Subsea Ltd.” The change represents the strengthening...Read More
The Federal Maritime Commission is asking the top 20 shipping lines calling the United States to provide information on how they are adapting to the increased prohibitions on retaliatory and discriminatory behaviour under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. The The FMC’s Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) Audit Team will specifically focus on how companies...Read More
