GCT Canada was proud to welcome the MSC Meline as the first vessel to use GCT Deltaport’s Shore Power system on November 14, 2019. Completed in early 2019, this transformative technology allows vessels to plug into the clean electrical power grid at GCT Deltaport and turn off their auxiliary diesel engines while docked. This eliminates up to 95 tonnes of air pollutants per vessel - equivalent to removing 20 vehicles off the road for one year. This collaboration was enabled through the Government of Canada Shore Power Technology for Ports program and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, each contributing $3.4 million, for a total investment of $6.8 million. GCT provided auxiliary project implementation support as part of GCT Canada’s efforts to increase its competitiveness and deliver on its Global Commitment to sustainability.

An Alaska Marine Lines barge, Nana Provider, stuck on a reef off Quadra Island for nearly a week has now been re-floated off the reef early this morning.  The barge was being towed by the US-flagged tug Polar King when it grounded last Saturday night at around 8 p.m. during a voyage from Seattle to Whittier, Alaska. The barge is carrying empty containers and rail cars.  A flotilla comprised of five tugs and three Canadian Coast Guard vessels escorted the barge to a facility north of Campbell River where it will undergo inspection and repairs.  

Seaspan has announced the acquisition of a fleet of six containerships for a total price of $380m. Seaspan will take possession of three 2012-built 10,700 teu vessels, two 2013-built 9,200 teu vessels, and one 2014-built 9,200 teu vessel, which are all operating under long-term charter with a global liner. The acquisition will bring the company’s global fleet to 119 vessels with capacity of 975,000 teu. The purchase, scheduled for December, is expected to be financed from both borrowing and cash on hand.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers hosted its 6th annual Dry Bulk conference in Vancouver yesterday. With speakers covering everything from handysize and supramax vessels, and technology in the maritime sector to the global cement outlook and methanol as an alternative fuel, to both local and global grain markets, to the implications of the IMO2020, the conference was successful and very well attended. The pub night that followed supported the Mission for Seafarers, collecting donations and a 50/50 draw to help them in the seafarer welfare work.  Hope to see everyone there again next year.

The IMO Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships agreed the draft text of a Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) resolution which would urge Member States to develop and update a voluntary National Action Plan (NAP) with a view to contributing to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping. It suggests such National Action Plans could include but are not limited to: (a) improving domestic institutional and legislative arrangements for the effective implementation of existing IMO instruments, (b) developing activities to further enhance the energy efficiency of ships, (c) initiating research and advancing the uptake of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels, (d) accelerating port emission reduction activities, consistent with resolution MEPC.323(74), (e) fostering capacity-building, awareness-raising and regional cooperation and (f) facilitating the development of infrastructure for green shipping.

Container analysts, Alphaliner has issued a warning that the eastbound transpacific container trade will register its first negative year since 2009. This prediction indicates a -2% drop for the full year 2019, thanks to an especially poor final quarter. October data shows a -3.9% drop with larger falls anticipated in November and December. On the US West Coast, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland recorded a combined drop of -12.0% in total container throughput last month.

Maersk COO Søren Toft has abruptly left the organization after a 14-year tenure. In the interim, CEO Søren Skou will be handling his responsibilities. A statement released by Maersk says that Toft has chosen to “pursue an opportunity outside the company,” but provided no further details.  Toft was front and centre in the company’s efforts to decarbonize their fleet.

The Port of Hamburg has received three new gantry cranes that would provide the port with additional capacities for handling 23,000+ teu ultra large container vessels. The cranes will go into service at the Container Terminal Burchardkai. The investment in new gantry cranes is part of an expansion program at the terminal. In addition, they have created new storage blocks and expanded the terminal.