As Canada increasingly focuses on sustainable practices, the maritime sector continues to be a pivotal player in reducing carbon emissions. While marine transportation is already the most eco-friendly mode of moving goods, innovative technologies emerge as possibilities for greater improvements. Algoma is actively exploring these advancements to identify their long-term viability and feasibility for a greener future on the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway.
The Green Shipping Corridor Program (GSCP) is an integral partner in this movement, offering critical funding to projects that will drive the establishment of a green shipping corridor and the decarbonization of marine activities along the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway, and Canada’s East and West Coasts.
What does the program aim to achieve?
One of the primary objectives of the GSCP is to eliminate the obstacles that hinder the adoption of emission-reducing equipment and infrastructure. The program addresses these barriers by providing financial support for projects that:
- build capacity among Canadian vessel owner/operators with respect to their ability to identify, plan and implement next generation low carbon and zero-emission ship technology and marine fuels into their vessel operations
- remove barriers to the adoption of emission reducing equipment and infrastructure
- incentivize industry-led partnerships and investments to accelerate the adoption of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction technologies and infrastructure
- de-risk investments to increase the technology-readiness level of low carbon and zero-emission ship technology and marine fuels for the domestic vessel fleet
Visit: https://tc.canada.ca/en/programs/green-shipping-corridor-program to learn more about the program.
GSCP Grant Funding – De-Risking Investments in Low Carbon Technologies
Investing in low carbon and zero-emission ship technologies can be a high-stakes venture due to the significant capital required, the multi-generational assets, the unique nature of our ships and waterways, and the nascent stage of many new technologies. At Algoma, we believe research must come first. This is not to stall innovation but to ensure we get it right. Short sea shipping on the Great Lakes is unique which means the sector will require tailored solutions. The GSCP is helping Algoma research potential solutions by providing grant funding under the Clean Vessel Demonstration Stream for the following studies:
- Biofuel Feasibility Study
- Wind Assisted Propulsion System Feasibility Study
- Shore Power Feasibility Study
- Next Generation Bulk Carrier Design
- Container shipping study – Articulated Tug-Barge unit
We would like to thank Transport Canada and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport of Canada for implementing this program and providing support to the Canadian marine sector. Thank you also to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Vance Badawey for announcing the successful grant recipients on behalf of Transport Canada and the Minister’s office and MP Chris Bittle of St. Catharines for your continued support.
As an industry, we need to find the right solutions, set a course, and see it through, together. The collective adoption of carbon reducing technologies will ensure adequate supply, cost competitiveness, and will strengthen the overall benefits of the sector. With the support of the GSCP, the marine industry has been provided with an opportunity to drive the right innovation and implement successful and long-term advancements.
To learn more about Algoma’s environmental initiatives, progress, challenges, and the studies listed above, read our latest Sustainability Report here.
