Canada commits to green shipping corridors

Canada has committed to creating a system of zero-emission maritime routes between ports.

In addition to creating the Green Shipping Corridors Framework, Canada is also joining the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission. These two new initiatives were highlighted by Canada’s Climate Change Ambassador during the COP27 environmental summit taking place in Egypt this week.

Through the framework and by joining the mission, Canada is building on the commitment made when signing on to the Clydebank Declaration during COP26, signaling its plan to support the establishment of green shipping corridors.

The framework sets out a Canadian vision to make sure that green shipping corridors are implemented consistently and empowers all parties to work together to eliminate emissions and tackle the climate crisis.

Canada will also join the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission as a supporter and will actively contribute to the mission activities and projects. Participating governments commit to strengthen global efforts to achieve zero emissions from international shipping by 2050. Governments pledge to work at IMO to adopt such a goal, to adopt goals for 2030 and 2040 that place the sector on a pathway to full decarbonization by 2050, and to adopt the measures to help achieve these goals. In joining, Canada will have access to Zero-Emission Shipping Mission resources and networks of supporters in government and industry.

As efforts on green shipping corridors continue, Canada and the United States also announced their joint work to facilitate the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridors Network in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System. Through this initiative, Canada and the United States will work with industry to help facilitate the establishment of green corridors throughout the region.

Transportation is Canada’s second largest source of emissions. The Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework will help the country’s marine transportation sector reduce its environmental impact.

The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act clearly states the Government of Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Government of Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in March 2022,, committing to reduce emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The plan recognizes that reaching our climate goals will require work from all transportation modes, including the marine sector.

This framework is aligned with other Government of Canada priorities, including the Oceans Protection Plan and Marine Conservation Targets. It is also aligned with the U.S. Green Shipping Corridors Fact Sheet released in April 2022.

The Green Shipping Corridor Network Initiative builds on the work launched under the “Joint Statement by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada on the Nexus between Transportation and Climate Change”.