Ports to modernize, go greener

Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra visited Halifax on Tuesday to announce the completion of the Ports Modernization Review, and said making Canadian ports greener requires a multifaceted approach.

“Everyone knows that we need to reduce emissions from our economy,” the minister said.

“We’re seeing these extreme weather events, and climate change is no longer an academic issue. People are dealing with it, including the aftermath of Fiona, and the marine sector is a large source of emissions. So, we expect work domestically and internationally in the marine sector to help them reduce emissions.”

Alghabra said one goal is for ports to become net zero by 2050.

“That means the power they use and consume is green, that they are a source of green energy to vessels as they dock in their ports,” he said.

“We’re looking at the idea of green corridors between our ports and international ports that would encourage giving priority to vessels that are utilizing green fuel.”

The minister also announced that the government will introduce legislation to update the way Canada’s ports are managed and operated, based on the results of the review.

Proposed legislative changes are aimed at ports being “strategic enablers of trade and traffic, given their central role as intermodal hubs that support supply chain performance and economic growth.”