Prince Rupert Port Authority Signs Global Memorandum of Understanding on Multi-Port Multi-Jurisdiction Green Shipping Corridors

December 6, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) signed the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Multi-Port Multi-Jurisdiction Green Shipping Corridors (MOU) to establish international green shipping corridors from Canada’s west coast to Asia and the Middle East.

Signed today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the MOU will support the establishment of a West Coast Green Shipping Corridor. It will connect Edmonton to Prince Rupert to ports in Asia and the Middle East, and build on PRPA’s ongoing commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping through the Port of Prince Rupert.

“Together with our port industry, Indigenous, and local community partners, we are committed to realizing a shared vision of a thriving and sustainable trade gateway that ensures a vibrant future for western Canada and we are taking concrete action to address climate change and reduce the impacts of port activity,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Today’s MOU reinforces Prince Rupert’s continued leadership role in helping Canada’s marine transportation sector reduce its environmental impact and adapt to global climate priorities.”

Together with industry and government partners, the Port of Prince Rupert will continue to support an accelerated transition to developing zero-emission solutions for port operations. This includes expanding electrification capabilities like shore power, increasing the availability of alternative fuels and refuelling infrastructure, and proactively integrating other elements of sustainability such as waste management, marine mammal protection and addressing barriers to port sustainability.

“Electrification initiatives like expansion of shore power capabilities are critical components to reaching net-zero by 2050,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We are one of only two ports in Canada currently providing shore power to container vessels at berth and will continue to expand our capacity to meet our customers’ efforts to reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

“Our government is committed to reducing marine emissions while creating new opportunities for Canadian innovators in clean tech and clean fuel. Today’s announcement will help fight climate change and showcases the Port of Prince Rupert’s leadership in reducing the environmental impacts of the marine transportation sector on the West Coast,” said the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport.”

With a direct connection to British Columbia and Alberta energy production centres, the Port of Prince Rupert is well positioned to support the transportation of Canadian energy and renewable energy commodities that will support the global energy transition. To advance efforts in this transition, PRPA is working with project partners to advance new energy infrastructure to meet growing international demand, such as the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF). Projects like REEF will enhance the availability of sustainable marine bunkering and support global decarbonization efforts on high-emitting energy sources.

“Our government is proud to partner with the Port of Prince Rupert, through our Integrated Marketplace initiative to reduce emissions and create economic opportunities through local innovation that will help create the greenest port in Canada,” said the Honourable Rob Fleming, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Throughout the Prince Rupert Gateway, port partners are working to decarbonize the whole value chain and ensure that from production source to end use, efforts are made to reduce environmental footprints. For example, PRPA partner Dow announced final investment of their Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero project that will produce low-to-zero carbon ethylene and polyethylene derivatives for global customers.

“Edmonton is perfectly situated to be a key hub for the Port of Prince Rupert and out to global markets. This connection will further Alberta’s ability to provide the responsible energy solutions the world needs so we can support energy security and improved global standards of living,” said the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta.

QUICK FACTS:

• With the deepest natural harbour in North America, the continent’s first purpose-built ship-to-rail container terminal, and the shortest and fastest trade route on the transpacific, the Port of Prince Rupert continues to lead the way in supply chain innovation for customers.
• Launched a decade ago, PRPA’s Green Wave program incentivizes shippers to implement emission reduction measures and sustainable practices to improve their environmental performance.
• PRPA’s recent $7.6 million investment in Fairview Shore Power, accomplished with the assistance of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund, enables compatible container vessels to switch from their main generators to clean electricity while berthed at the terminal. This option prevents approximately 75 tonnes of GHG emissions per vessel, in addition to other air emissions related to vessel exhaust.
• In 2024, PRPA is actively moving forward programs and pilots with our partners that will facilitate expanded use of electricity, hydrogen, and renewable diesel as low-carbon energy replacements within the Port.
• PRPA is focused on developing innovative and efficient infrastructure, such as the Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor, that has environmental benefits to support the port’s mandate. The Connector Corridor, a private dedicated port road connecting DP World’s Fairview Container Terminal to Ridley Island, has shortened the distance container trucks travel within the port ecosystem from 21km to 5.3km, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in GHG intensity from port truck emissions.
• Committed to sharing the benefits of the growing gateway, PRPA works with First Nations and Indigenous businesses to develop Indigenous employment and economic opportunities. In the Port of Prince Rupert’s workforce, 39% percent of workers are Indigenous, directly reflecting the demographics of residents living in Prince Rupert.