GHG reduction potential of marine decarbonization pathways in Canada

ESMIA was selected by Transport Canada to perform a study on decarbonization pathways and GHG reduction potential for the marine shipping industry. Canada, committed to reducing its GHG emissions under the Paris Agreement, aims for a 40-45% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The plans include a marine action plan to promote zero-emission technologies and clean fuels at ports. Additionally, through the Clydebank Declaration and its Green Shipping Corridors Framework, Canada targets zero-emission maritime routes. Achieving these goals requires significant investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration. The objectives of this project were to provide a comprehensive literature review on international and Canadian decarbonization initiatives, perform stakeholder consultations to enhance the modelling and analysis process, develop a Canadian Shipping Model as a reusable tool for future use by Transport Canada, analyze shipping decarbonization with a focus on domestic shipping to meet 2030 and 2050 targets, and design alternative decarbonization strategies considering technology penetration, fuel supply, and regional differences. Through these efforts ESMIA helped support Canada’s transition to a sustainable and zero-emission marine sector.