As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian government announced review and modernization of anchorage operations.
Commercial shipping results in $30 billion of economic activity annually in Canada and, at 1.8% of the Canadian economy, ships move more than $200 billion worth of goods to and from global markets. From farmers to retailers, many Canadian jobs depend on a healthy and thriving trade environment supported by a robust and fluid marine transportation network.
The current framework for anchorage operations for the South Coast of British Columbia is not optimized for efficient commercial operations and results in unnecessary costs, delays, unpredictability, and impacts on certain coastal communities, the Chamber of Shipping said.
As trade in this region is expected to increase, the time has arrived to develop a more holistic approach to managing the marine supply chain, which should include anchorage operations and elements of proactive ship management and enhanced maritime situational awareness.
“This is a real opportunity for productive dialogue and for solutions to be developed through an evidence-based approach,” stated the Chamber of Shipping’s President, Robert Lewis-Manning.
Commercial ships calling on ports in Canada frequently require anchorage in waters in the vicinity of ports, terminals, and waterways. This occurs in most Canadian coastal and inland waterways for a number of reasons.
While not an exhaustive list, ships can anchor to await a berth, to clear customs and other flag state administrative procedures, to conduct urgent corrective maintenance, or to await passage through a confined area such as a lock or river – anchorage operations are an integral part of the national supply chain.
