Tag: Port of Vancouver

Marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, are impacted by underwater noise. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is taking the lead in promoting quieter ships – with an innovative incentive program, Rachel Carmichael, DNV GL, explains.

As ship strikes, vessel disturbance and underwater noise are key threats faced by whales, dolphins and porpoises off British Columbia’s coast, the Vancouver Aquarium’s Coastal Ocean Research Institute, in partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Prince Rupert Port Authority, published a new guide for mariners, intended to inform them about the risk of collisions between vessels and marine life and to help minimize vessel disturbances.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's EcoAction Program offers discounted harbour due rate to vessels that have implemented voluntary emission reduction measures and other environmental practices. As of January 1, 2017, vessels equipped with PBCF and transiting to the Port of Vancouver will be eligible for bronze level recognition .

On January 1, 2017, the port authority added new incentive criteria to its existing EcoAction program to include harbour due rate discounts for quieter ships. This makes Canada the first country in the world with a marine noise reduction incentive.

The Port of Vancouver has launched a series of project under its 'ECHO Program' with the aim to provide a better understanding of vessel-related cumulative regional threats such as vessel underwater noise and its effects to marine environment.