Canada allocates $25.2M to support shore power and alternative fuel projects

The Government of Canada has invested up to $25.2 million for four projects, funded under the Green Shipping Corridor Program, to support both shore power and alternative fuel solutions in the maritime sector.

Decarbonizing the marine sector is a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate action strategy. As part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Canada is focusing on upgrading port infrastructure and promoting the adoption of cleaner technologies in the shipping industry. These efforts are aimed at lowering the environmental impact of maritime transport, which is a significant contributor to global emissions.

The Green Shipping Corridor Program is one of the key initiatives supporting this transition. By fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations, the program seeks to develop sustainable solutions that will reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s marine sector.

The funding will be used to upgrade the existing infrastructure, upgrade and construct fueling infrastructure to support greener fuel use, and conduct a study to explore the feasibility of establishing a new public port.

“Our ports are essential gateways to Canada’s economy. These innovative projects will help us protect our planet, build a greener economy for Canadians, reduce emissions, and keep our communities connected,” Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, said.

“Incorporating green infrastructure into our logistics strategy promotes sustainability by reducing environmental impacts. Through renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and nature-based solutions, we can decrease emissions and enhance the long-term resilience of logistics hubs along the Great Lakes,” Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, added.

“As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, our government is committed to building a greener economy. Projects like this are a step toward a greener marine sector, ensuring our ports remain vital for trade, while leading the way in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth for our communities,” Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, noted.

The Green Shipping Corridor Program funds projects aimed at establishing green shipping corridors and decarbonizing the marine sector across Canada’s Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, and East and West Coasts.

The program reduces barriers to adopting emission-reducing technologies and infrastructure, and incentivizes industry partnerships and investments to accelerate emission-reduction solutions.

It also aims to build capacity for Canadian vessel operators to implement next-generation sustainable technologies and fuels.

To remind, in July this year, Canadian government also awarded $1.7 million in funding to fourteen projects under the Green Shipping Corridor Program’s Clean Vessel Demonstration program. The aim was to help spur the launch of the next generation of clean ships and cover the investment in the shore power infrastructure, as well as to support low-emission and low-noise vessels at ports.