The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port and the third largest in North America, has made a significant advancement in facilitating the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG)—one of the most widely adopted alternative marine fuels—for vessels calling at the port. By authorizing LNG bunkering operations within the port’s boundaries, the port authority is taking a key step toward supporting the energy transition and furthering emissions reduction efforts.
In November 2024, North Vancouver’s Seaspan Energy became the first company to receive LNG bunkering accreditation from the Port of Vancouver. This accreditation allows Seaspan Energy to conduct ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations, marking a major milestone in the port’s initiative to support cleaner energy sources in maritime operations. The accreditation was granted following extensive risk assessments and mitigation processes that carefully examined international safety best practices.
This approval makes LNG the first alternative fuel approved for ship bunkering at the Port of Vancouver. It supports the port authority’s emissions reduction goals and aligns with its broader sustainability efforts. By allowing LNG-powered ships to safely and efficiently refuel while in port, this move not only advances the decarbonization of the maritime sector but also helps streamline port calls.
High Standards for Safety and Environmental Protection
As a Canada Port Authority, the Port of Vancouver is committed to ensuring the highest safety and environmental protection standards are met in all port operations. The refueling of cargo ships with LNG, like conventional marine fuels, is subject to stringent requirements that adhere to international best practices and industry guidelines. These protocols are designed to protect nearby vessels, communities, and infrastructure from potential risks.
Among the key safety requirements for LNG bunkering at the Port of Vancouver are:
- Annual review and accreditation of bunker suppliers operating within the port
- Detailed logging and record-keeping of all bunkering operations
- Advance notice to the port authority of any bunkering operation
- Reliable communication channels to ensure quick shutdown of operations if needed
Since LNG is stored and transported at extremely low temperatures to maintain its liquid state, handling and transferring LNG fuel to ships requires additional safety measures. These include the use of LNG-specific safety checklists and ensuring bunkering operations are conducted only within designated areas of the port. Ships using LNG as fuel must also be approved by Transport Canada and comply with all relevant operational procedures specific to their vessel type.
Supporting the Energy Transition and Emission Reduction Goals
The Port of Vancouver continues to make progress toward its ambitious climate and air quality goals. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and phase out all port-related emissions that contribute to climate change by 2050. Supporting LNG bunkering operations is a critical part of these efforts, as LNG is a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil and marine diesel.
As part of its strategy to reduce air emissions and promote decarbonization, the port authority is also incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and fuels by port users. This includes offering shore power connections to cruise and container ships, enabling them to plug into a clean energy source while at berth.
The Role of LNG Bunkering in Emission Reduction
LNG, a natural gas that is cooled to -160°C to become a liquid, is a key enabler of emissions reduction in the maritime industry. By replacing conventional marine fuels, LNG significantly reduces harmful emissions, including sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, making it a cleaner fuel option for shipping.
As part of the global effort to reduce emissions from shipping, LNG is increasingly being adopted by vessels worldwide. With the Port of Vancouver now supporting LNG bunkering operations, the port is helping the maritime industry transition to cleaner fuels and contribute to global decarbonization targets.
Bunkering Operations at the Port of Vancouver
Bunkering refers to the process of transferring fuel, including LNG, into the fuel tanks of ships. The availability of bunkering services in ports is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of global trade. At the Port of Vancouver, bunkering occurs daily in both anchorage areas and marine terminals. There are two primary methods for bunkering at the port:
- Ship-to-ship: A bunkering vessel transfers fuel to ships’ fuel tanks, commonly used for deep-sea cargo vessels.
- Truck-to-ship: Tanker trucks are used to deliver fuel to ships operating in local waters, such as BC Ferries.
With LNG now approved for bunkering, these services are available to LNG-powered ships calling at the port, further expanding Vancouver’s role in supporting cleaner maritime energy solutions.
Looking Ahead: A Cleaner, Greener Future for Shipping
The Port of Vancouver’s efforts to promote LNG as a marine fuel are an integral part of its broader commitment to sustainability. By facilitating LNG bunkering, the port authority is playing a crucial role in the global transition to cleaner energy sources for shipping, while also supporting Canada’s national and international emissions reduction goals.
With continued investment in alternative fuels, infrastructure, and safety standards, the Port of Vancouver is positioning itself as a key player in the decarbonization of the maritime sector, supporting a cleaner, greener future for global shipping.
Source Port of Vancouver Canada