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News and Events

March 5, 2025

By Univan Admin

 

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Chamber of Shipping AGM – March 18, 2025

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The Chamber of Shipping's Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at 3 PM at the Terminal City Club, Vancouver, BC.

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This year, we welcome two guest speakers:

  • Marzia Rizvi (WESTAC) will present the 2025 Compass Report, offering insights from industry leaders on transportation trends.

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  • Robert Dick (National Supply Chain Office) will provide an update on Canada's draft national supply chain strategy and trade diversification efforts.

 

Click here to register for valuable industry insights following the annual business session

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March 5, 2025

By Univan Admin

 

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BC Government Releases Budget 2025 Amid US Trade Tariffs

 

The BC Government has unveiled Budget 2025: Standing Strong for BC, focusing on economic resilience in response to US trade tariffs. Key measures include:

 

  • Fast-tracking 18 major critical mineral and energy projects worth $20 billion.

 

  • $95 million for highway and bridge maintenance.

 

  • $15.9 billion over three years for transportation infrastructure.

 

Despite these investments, the budget lacks new economic growth initiatives and continues to rely on deficits, projected to decline from $10.9B in 2025-26 to $9.9B by 2027-28. The full impact of US tariffs remains unaddressed.

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February 18, 2025

By Univan Admin

 

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New Tug Escort Requirement for Tier 1 Vessels at First Narrows TCZ-1

 

Enhancing Safety Measures at the Port of Vancouver

 

To further strengthen maritime safety and protect vital infrastructure, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has introduced a new requirement for Tier 1 vessels navigating through the First Narrows Traffic Control Zone (TCZ-1). This measure aims to reduce the risk of vessel strikes to the Lions Gate Bridge by mandating the use of a tethered tug escort under specific conditions.

 

Key Highlights of the New Requirement:

 

  • Applies to Tier 1 vessels meeting specific forward draft and tidal height conditions when transiting outbound through TCZ-1.

  • Complements existing safety protocols to ensure safe and efficient navigation.

  • Developed based on expert analysis conducted by NAVTEC/LANTEC Marine Inc., identifying a higher risk of incidents when vessels transit westbound at high tide with shallow drafts.

 

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Considerations for Vessel Operators: The Port Authority has carefully evaluated the potential risks and associated costs while developing this requirement:

 

  • Risk Mitigation: A detailed simulation study confirmed an increased likelihood of vessel strikes under certain conditions. The new regulation is tailored to mitigate this risk effectively.

 

  • Cost to Industry: While the requirement introduces an additional operational cost for certain vessel operators, it does not demand any capital investment. Vessel operators are encouraged to collaborate with service providers to explore cost-effective solutions, such as adjusting transit schedules through the centralized vessel traffic management system.

 

Who Does This Apply To?

 

  • Tier 1 vessels over 120 metres in length overall (LOA) with a single propeller/propulsor and no alternate propulsion system.

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  • Compliance requires a mandatory tethered tug escort or an adequate tractor/ASD tug at the Master or pilot’s discretion, based on the following criteria:

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Vessel forward draft

< 8.0 m and > 7.0 m

Height of tide

> 3.5 m

Minimum bollard pull

40 t

< 7.0 m and > 6.0 m

< 6.0 m and > 5.0 m

> 2.5 m

> 1.5 m

40 t

40 t

< 5.0 m and > 4.0 m

< 4.0 m

> 0.5 m

All

40 t

40 t

Exemptions: Vessels with redundant propulsion systems, such as twin-propeller cruise ships, are exempt from this requirement.

 

Implementation & Compliance:

 

  • Vessels requiring a tethered tug escort must be tethered before entering TCZ-1 and remain so until they clear the zone.

 

  • In some cases, vessels may be required to stay tethered beyond TCZ-1 for operational reasons.

 

This requirement is subject to future reviews and adjustments as needed to ensure continued maritime safety.

 

For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact the Port Authority’s 24/7 Operations Centre at 604-665-9086 or email harbour_master@portvancouver.com.

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