Prince Rupert port users cut emissions by switching to renewable diesel

The Prince Rupert Port Authority and 13 gateway partners replaced more than two million litres of conventional diesel with Petro-Canada EcoDiesel in 2025, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across port operations.

Petro-Canada EcoDiesel generates about 67 per cent fewer lifecycle GHG emissions than conventional diesel under B.C.’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Gateway partners used the renewable drop-in fuel for on-dock cargo-handling equipment, drayage trucks, locomotives, tugs and pilot and patrol vessels.

Working with fuel supplier Suncor and distributor Jepson Petroleum, the port authority secured a steady supply of EcoDiesel, helping port users displace nearly 24 per cent of the 8.42 million litres of diesel consumed annually.

“The outstanding collaboration and widespread adoption of renewable diesel across a diverse range of port users and terminals drastically accelerates the Port of Prince Rupert’s progress toward meeting our target of reducing carbon intensity in the local airshed by 30 per cent by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050,” said Shaun Stevenson, president and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Several major port operators contributed to the milestone, including DP World, AltaGas, Drax, Gat Leedm Logistics, IntermodeX, Pembina, Prince Rupert Grain, Ray-Mont Logistics, SAAM Towage, Tidal Transport and Trading, Trigon Pacific Terminals and the Pacific Pilotage Authority.

“As the largest consumer of Petro-Canada EcoDiesel at the Port of Prince Rupert, DP World is proud to be playing a leading role in converting to lower-emissions fuels to power our operations and mitigate the impact of terminal activity on the environment,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World Canada.

“Having this dependable source of renewable diesel supports the sustainability of our 24/7 operations, enabling pilot vessels to significantly reduce GHG emissions on each trip,” said John Wilson, CEO of the Pacific Pilotage Authority.

Craig Olley, president of Trigon Pacific Terminals, said the switch is “a critical step” in reducing emissions. “This progress reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and the positive impact we’re making on our local community, port and broader region.”

Petro-Canada EcoDiesel is made from renewable feedstocks refined through hydrotreating and can be used in standard diesel engines without retrofits. PRPA launched its Renewable Diesel Initiative in 2024.