Salish Sea Marine Emission Reductions Program

About

The Salish Sea Marine Emission Reductions (SSMER) program investigated cumulative effects and reductions of marine vessel emissions. The SSMER program was part of the Government of Canada's response to Recommendation 1. This was the result of the National Energy Board's (now Canada Energy Regulator) Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project Reconsideration Report. The SSMER focused on the cumulative effects of air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from marine vessels operating in the Salish Sea. It also looked at ways to reduce existing and future emissions from marine vessels. The SSMER supported the Salish Sea Initiative (a TMX accommodation measure) and Transport Canada's response to Recommendation 10. The SSMER program was completed in March 2025.

Acronyms

• CACs: Critera Air Contaminants 
• COS: Chamber of Shipping
• ERG: Eastern Research Group
• ECCC: Environment and Climate Change Canada 
• ESS: Energy storage system 
• GHG: Greenhouse gas
• GVHA: Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
• LCA: Life cycle anaylsis 
• MEIT: Marine Emissions Inventory Tool 
• NRC: National Research Council
• SFU: Simon Fraser University 
• SSMER: Salish Sea Marine Emissions Reductions Program
• SSMERF: Salish Sea Marine Emission Reductions Fund 
• SSMET: Salish Sea Marine Emissions Tool 
• TMX: Trans Mountain Expansion
• UBC: University of British Columbia 
• VMCC: Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate

Overview of objectives

The objectives of the SSMER program included:

• taking stock of the current knowledge informed by the TMX Salish Sea Initiative

• identifying gaps in understanding ecosystem components 

• enhancing research on air quality and air emissions

• improving access to this knowledge through data and tools

• engaging with Coast Salish Indigenous Communities

To achieve the SSMER program’s objectives, ECCC implemented a variety of initiatives:   

• Inventory tools - created the Salish Sea Marine Emissions Tool (SSMET) and advanced the Marine Emissions Inventory Tool (MEIT)

• Resource sharing - launched a program-specific website to enhance public and Indigenous knowledge of the cumulative effect tools, research, and funded projects 

• Research - investigated Norway’s leading marine strategies and researched Shore Power Feasibility in the Salish Sea

• Funding - funded 11 projects, supporting organizations and stakeholders’ emission reductions studies or technology deployment in the Salish Sea  

• Engagement - participated in Indigenous information sessions to help Indigenous communities in the Salish Sea use Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) tools, aimed to support understanding of marine shipping emission impacts and provide an opportunity for Indigenous communities to express their opinions and share knowledge, and facilitated additional engagement sessions with industry and NGOs to increase awareness of the tools  

• Environment assessments - participated in the marine and air quality components of environmental assessments. Provided expertise to support recommendations and assist in managing cumulative effects in the Salish Sea

Summary

As part of the SSMER program, ECCC developed the Salish Sea Marine Emissions Tool(SSMET) to understand the cumulative effects of air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The tool focussed specifically on newly existing and proposed marine vessel activity in the Salish Sea. The tool pulls data from environmental impact assessments (proposed projects) and ECCC's Marine Emissions Inventory Tool (MEIT) (existing projects). The interactive map enables users to display, filter, and compare marine projects and terminal information. These features allow users to gauge how proposed increases to marine shipping compare to existing marine activity in the Salish Sea.

During the SSMER program, the following geographical locations were added to the tool; however, the map will continue to be developed after the program’s completion. The geographical locations include:

• Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat
• Aboriginal lands of Canada
• National Air Pollution Surveillance stations
• Air zones
• Pipelines
• Marine protected areas

Tool updates

The SSMET became publicly available in 2020. Since then, the tool has received regular updates, feature additions, and data expansions to cover more regions of B.C. This tool has been useful to other government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders in analyzing and visualizing the cumulative impacts of marine shipping in British Columbia. 

The SSMET will continue to be updated yearly to maintain accuracy. 

Access the Salish Sea Marine Emissions Tool.

Note: this map does not work with Microsoft Internet Explorer

Summary

ECCC publicly published the Marine Emissions Inventory Tool and database in 2019. The database calculates and displays marine vessel activity and emissions from commercial vessels operating in all Canadian waters (Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone). The tool provides a comprehensive and transparent inventory of:

• shipping activity
• energy use
• air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from marine vessels

MEIT allows users to:

• view marine emissions on a map
• filter emissions for the requested year, region, ship class/type, emission mode and/or other basic sets of conditions
• generate national and regional emission inventories and report spreadsheets

Tool updates

The MEIT will continue to be updated yearly to maintain accuracy.

Application for SSMER Program

The MEIT was made publicly available as part of ECCC's response to Recommendation 1. Additionally, this valuable resource has assisted in developing and updating the SSMET as well as providing meaningful insights to other government departments, stakeholders, and communities.

Access the Marine Emissions Inventory Tool.

Note: this map does not work with Microsoft Internet Explorer

The Salish Sea Marine Emission Reductions (SSMER) program conducted valuable research into emission reduction opportunities in the Salish Sea and across Canada.  

Official languages

Some reports on this page originate from organizations that are not subject to Canada's Official Languages Act. If this is the case, they are available in their originally written language. 

Summary

ECCC contracted the National Research Council (NRC) to gather information from Norway, a leading jurisdiction in reducing air quality and greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. Norway has an emission reduction target of at least 50% of 1990 levels by 2030. They are focussing on opportunities for growth and jobs, as well as developing environmental technologies. Norway also has established a public transportation and alternative fuels action plan for the transportation sector.

Additionally, this study researched a specific Norwegian port, the Port of Oslo. The port has set ambitious targets to reduce GHG emissions by 95% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. To do so, they have implemented 17 measures include reducing emissions from foreign and local ferries, and making port operations, including handling of goods and cargos, emissions-free to reduce emissions by about two-thirds.

Study impacts

This information enabled ECCC to analyze and compare the drivers, initiatives, economics, and technologies used by Norway in reducing emissions. The study assessed which Norwegian policies, incentives, and technologies can be adopted in Salish Sea.

• Reduction of Marine Emissions - Case Study of Norway and Port of Oslo
• Author: NRC
• Year: 2020
• Language: English 

Summary

ECCC contracted NRC and Eastern Research Group (ERG) to conduct a region-specific study in the Salish Sea. The study assessed the technical and economic feasibility of various ship types to plug into shore-based power while at berth rather than using vessel auxiliary engines. The study found that:

• shore power is feasible for containerships – the fleet already has a significant number of shore power ready vessels, and retrofitting many older vessels is a reasonable option
• B.C.’s utility provider, B.C. Hydro, has sufficient electricity to meet the port’s projected shore power needs
• implementing a containership shore power requirement could reduce CO₂, NO_x, and SO_x emissions by around 80%

The research identified several critical elements needed to ensure shore power feasibility including:

• setting ambitious emission reduction targets
• engaging early with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders
• adhering to ISO/IEC/IEEE standards

Study impacts

The research and analysis from the Shore Power Feasibility in the Salish Sea project has supported other shore power and marine decarbonization projects. It has been shared with NGOs, community partners and other government departments to guide their work. Its insights were particularly valuable in ECCC’s recent Port Shore Power Readiness report. A detailed executive summary of the Salish Sea project’s findings is also available below.

• Shore Power Feasibility in the Salish Sea
• Author: NRC
• Year: 2021
• Language: English

Summary

This study assesses the feasibility of implementing shore power in Canada by analyzing Canadian port readiness. This was done through a literature review and interviews with Canadian Port Authorities. The results of this study aim to inform the Government of Canada’s efforts to decrease marine emissions on a national scale.

The key findings of the Canadian Port Shore Power Readiness Study for ECCC are that:

• shore power is feasible in the Canadian context, with strong interest among ports
• the technology is deployment-ready, demonstrated by several Canadian ports
• there are utility grid limitations (particularly for clean electricity supply)
• there are significant upfront investments
• there are regional and vessel-type differences that complicate broad readiness conclusions.
• high costs are partially offset by benefits such as fuel savings, reduced engine wear, and improved health and environmental outcomes

Study impacts

The intent of the study was to gather information on Canadian port's existing experiences and views on shore power. Now, ECCC is completing additional shore power studies to gather more information in various components of the industry.

• Canadian Port Shore Power Readiness Study
• Author: ERG & ECCC
• Year: 2024
• Language: English & French

About: The Salish Sea Marine Emission Reductions Fund (SSMERF) has helped reduce air pollutant and GHG emissions from domestic marine vessels or fleets operating in the Canadian portion of the Salish Sea. Two funding streams were available for applicants: 

• Stream 1: monetary support for studies or research of emission reduction strategies
• Stream 2: financing for the investment and installation of emission reduction technology

The SSMER program funded 11 projects across four fiscal years. 

Projects funded:

Summary

Corvus Energy designed and built prototypes of manual and automated Battery Lift Systems, creating the Blue Whale ESS (Energy Storage System). This system underwent a field trial on the Seaspan Reliant, one of Seaspan’s (SFC) roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo ferries operating in the Salish Sea. These battery systems allow large ships to meet their energy demands with zero emissions. Through this project, Corvus Energy completed customer acceptance testing and received DNV type approval validating the trial’s initial successes.

Results

The Blue Whale ESS and Battery Lift Systems have remained permanently on board the Seaspan vessel, continuing to operate effectively. Corvus Energy is continuing to develop the Battery Lift System technology. It has now been commercialized and incorporated into the Blue Whale ESS.

Next steps

Corvus Energy is currently constructing more than 18 orders of Blue Whale energy storage systems to be delivered between 2024 and 2026. To accommodate increased demand Corvus Energy has now expanded their Vancouver manufacturing facility to include a robotic production line for the Blue Whale ESS. 

Summary

TransLink conducted a feasibility study to assess the infrastructure requirements for a battery-electric SeaBus vessel. They reviewed technical requirements, engaged with BC Hydro to determine the power availability for terminal upgrades, and completed a conceptual design for fast-charging vessel infrastructure.

Results

The study confirmed that a pantograph charger is suitable, and that BC Hydro may be able to support the charging of an electric SeaBus. Finally, Translink delivered estimates of the cost and a timeline for the design and implementation of the charging infrastructure for the battery-electric SeaBus.

Next steps

This project allowed the development of a business case that is now under evaluation by TransLink. Once the project is approved, TransLink will proceed with the design of the upstream and downstream upgrades and, finally, implement the electrical upgrades. The study would help TransLink reach their goal to lower air contaminants and reduce GHG emissions of their fleet by 80% by 2050.

Summary

The VMCC developed a Green Shipping Strategy for the Salish Sea region to reduce air pollutants (CAC’s) and GHG emissions. This plan identified a strategic framework that identified goals, pathways and action areas that would best reduce CAC’s and GHG emissions for the local captive fleet and mapped out the project’s implementation pathways.

Results

In the first phase of the project, VMCC collaborated with ship owners and technology service providers to submit green shipping proposals and studies. These were compiled into a framework which was used to produce an ambitious Green Shipping Strategy for the Salish Sea in 2021, which is now available on their website.  

Summary

GVHA conducted a proof-of-concept and interconnection study to develop a shoreside electrical power schematic design for the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District. This project involved collaborating with various parties to prepare the schematic design of the shore power system, including engineers, B.C. Hydro, and stakeholders like cruise line operators. They identified cost and geotechnical concerns as the main implementation barriers. This is because substantial reinforcement is required to support the shore power infrastructure.

Results

The work achieved by this project is instrumental in developing a robust shore power service for the cruise industry in Victoria, B.C., and in meeting provincial and national climate objectives.

Next steps

Transport Canada announced they will be investing $22.5 million to bring renewable shore power to Victoria’s cruise ship terminal. The GVHA is working with BC Hydro to assess the feasibility and costs associated with delivering sufficient power to The Breakwater District. The goal is to provide enough electricity for two large cruise vessels, while accommodating the port’s current and future infrastructure needs.

Summary

Tymac developed a strategy to significantly reduce their company’s emissions in the next five years (beginning in 2021). This strategy outlined annual investments and associated risks, emission reduction potential, and required funding. Specifically, they explored electrification/hybridization technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, and fuel alternatives for their fleet of 10 marine vessels (7 water taxis and 3 tugboats).

Next steps

This research supports Tymac’s goal of reducing emissions by at least 50% in the next 5 years. Additionally, these findings will guide Tymac's emission reduction plan, vessel investment and upgrades, and technology solutions.

Summary

The COS’ project researched and identified opportunities to better understand why some vessels appear to be making extra transits per port call. They determined how optimizing port calls through Near-Time Arrivals could reduce vessel movements and anchorage use, thereby decreasing GHG emissions in the Salish Sea.

Results

The COS submitted a report outlining the premise behind Just in Time arrivals, their potential costs, benefits, and constraints, specifically at the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The analysis revealed that anchorage stay limits and time at anchor due to unavailable cargo are leading to excessive vessel movements. The COS used emissions data from ECCC to estimate potential reductions. They emphasized the importance of accurate emissions data. The report advocated for improvements in supply chain visibility to improve planning and anchorage allocation. This included the need for vessels to arrive close to their estimated berthing times.

Next steps

The report recommended several measures to support Near-Time arrivals and reduce environmental impacts in the Salish Sea. These measures included implementing advanced data exchange between vessels and agents, developing a port community system, collecting accurate emissions data, and addressing operational constraints. Now, the COS is involved in ongoing discussions to address these considerations through the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Active Vessel Traffic Management initiative.

Summary & results

VMCC expanded their previously developed Green Shipping Strategy Framework into a regionally specific roadmap for member’s work plans and activities. The roadmap will help them reduce the CAC and GHG emissions from their assets operating in the Salish Sea.

Next steps

VMCC is reviewing their strategy to determine areas of focus for the next three years which will include supporting pilot projects and green shipping corridors. 

Summary

Offshore Designs Ltd worked with BC Ferries and Bailey Environmental (marine biologists) to characterize the biofouling condition of multiple ferries operating in the Salish Sea. Twelve surveys were completed on select Island Class, Salish Class, and C-Class ferries. Some ferries were inspected multiple times over the course of the year long project to better understand growth over time. Monthly fuel and operational data for each surveyed ferry were used to estimate the added fuel consumption and GHG emissions based on the level of growth observed on each vessel.

Results

The data collected, and analysis work enabled the project team to create a pro-active biofouling management program for select BC Ferries vessels that balances financial cost of cleaning with environmental benefits.

Next steps

Next, Offshore Designs is trialling a pro-active cleaning program on one or more vessels shown to be most affected by biofouling and track the impacts over 1- 2 years. The operational experience and data collected will enable BC Ferries to implement a fleetwide pro-active cleaning program to help achieve the company’s goal of reducing GHG emissions by at least 27% by 2030 from 2008 levels.

Summary

Rowing BC aimed to accelerate the adoption of electric outboards in rowing clubs to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions in the Salish Sea. Rowing BC piloted electric outboard systems in four rowing clubs. They continued to collect data until 2025 to analyze costs, maintenance, reliability, performance, fuel consumption, noise, and user experience.

Results

Initial feedback has been very positive, revealing important insights on purchasing e-outboards, setting up charging infrastructure, and installing the systems. Despite initial challenges in sourcing e-outboards and recruiting pilot clubs, the implementation has increased awareness and discussion about e-outboards within the B.C. rowing community.

Next steps

While the project is not yet complete, Rowing BC plans to the continue collecting data and sharing their insights with other clubs.

Summary

SFU evaluated potential decarbonization pathways for major ferries in the Salish Sea. Specifically, they examined hybrid-electric propulsion opportunities on British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) Coastal class vessels. They developed a baseline model to quantify emissions and energy use. They used the model to assess efficiency improvements and emission reduction opportunities from conventional and plug-in hybrid-electric systems. The assessment included costs and preliminary sizing of principal system components for BC Ferries.

Results

They determined that plug-in hybrid propulsion can reduce air pollution significantly and greenhouse gas emissions by 25-40% with 5-15% lifetime cost savings compared to ships with conventional diesel propulsion systems.

Next steps

The SFU team has delivered a final technical report outlining their findings which will guide BC Ferries future decarbonization efforts. Two peer-reviewed journal articles are in final review.  

Summary

UBC produced a life cycle analysis (LCA) comparison of several low-carbon fuels specific to vessels operating in the Salish Sea. They also developed high-fidelity tank-to-wake emissions factors using on-board emissions measurements for a RORO vessel during commercial operations in the Salish Sea.

Results

The LCA determined that today renewable fuels (RLNG, biodiesel, renewable diesel) significantly reduced GHG emissions and that with future pathways renewable diesel, biodiesel, hydrogen, and ammonia will produce similar GHG emissions. Overall, they found that Biomethanol had the lowest GHG emissions of all considered future pathways. UBC’s work demonstrated that the vessel operation, engine technology level, and data source (measurement vs. literature) all can impact the accuracy of LCA based assessment of different fuels and pathways. This underpinned the need for comprehensive and relevant measurements of the emission factors and duty cycles.

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