We can’t wait to take action on climate change. For over a decade, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has developed unique programs to help the port community reduce emissions from ships, trucks, and cargo equipment. But there is so much more to be done.
That’s why in 2020, we renewed The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a first-of-its-kind strategy uniting Pacific Northwest ports on both sides of the border around a shared vision to phase out port-related emissions by 2050. Learn about some of our initiatives and programs to build a greener, cleaner future.
Our EcoAction incentive program recognizes shipping lines that make voluntary investments in fuel, technology, or environmental management by offering up to 75% off harbour due rates. Shipping lines with the greatest fleet-wide participation in the program are recognized and celebrated with our annual Blue Circle Awards.
For more information about the EcoAction program please contact [email protected].
The Low-Emission Technology Initiative is a joint funding partnership between the port authority and the Province of British Columbia to promote the trial and adoption of low and zero-emission fuels and technologies at the Port of Vancouver. The initiative helps fund pilot projects intended to accelerate the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered equipment at the Port of Vancouver by demonstrating the effectiveness of low-emission alternatives.
We offer shore power connections at the Canada Place cruise terminal and the Centerm and Deltaport container terminals. Shore power helps reduce emissions by allowing ships to connect to the hydroelectric grid while at berth.
More than 38,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been prevented since shore power was introduced at the Port of Vancouver in 2009 – the equivalent of taking nearly 7,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year. Shore power had also helped prevent nearly 1,000 tonnes of air contaminants, which reduces impacts on local communities.
Our Non-Road Diesel Emissions (NRDE) Program requires tenants to report and label all non-road diesel equipment and pay fees on older, higher emission equipment. When older equipment is replaced, upgraded, or retrofitted, up to 90% of the fees paid are rebated back to the tenant, provided they have a fuel efficiency plan in place.
For more information about the NRDE Program, please contact [email protected].
In partnership with the regional electricity provider, BC Hydro, we connect our port terminal operators and tenants with an energy manager through the Energy Action initiative to provide expertise, support and access to BC Hydro financial incentives to advance and implement energy management projects. Financial incentives are available to support identification, advancement and implementation of opportunities to reduce a participating facility’s operational costs and emissions, including:
- Energy efficiency
- Electrification
- Renewable electricity generation
- Load management
Participating facilities may also be eligible for recognition through our annual Blue Circle Awards for demonstrating leadership in energy action.
Through programs like the ones mentioned above, we’re working to build a zero-emission port by 2050, in support of our vision for the Port of Vancouver to be the world’s most sustainable port.