With no single pathway to zero-impact shipping, a systems thinking approach and new decision-support framework tool can evaluate the benefits and trade-offs of different technologies to reduce the overall environmental impacts of marine shipping.
Webinar on June 25, 2026, to share key findings from collaborative study
Vancouver, BC — June 18, 2026 — As the global marine shipping sector confronts mounting pressure to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining vital economic and social functions, a new research initiative underscores that the path forward is not simply about selecting the “right” fuel or technology. Instead, the challenge lies in developing better decision-making processes in the face of uncertainty, competing priorities, and complex trade-offs.
The Pathways to Zero-Impact Shipping project—led by Clear Seas with funding and research support from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in collaboration with the University of British Columbia (UBC) examines how stakeholders can navigate these challenges more effectively. As part of the research project, the team developed a decision-support tool designed to help evaluate potential solutions and better understand the environmental, social, and economic trade-offs associated with different choices. The project emphasizes the importance of structured decision-making approaches to support more transparent, informed, and balanced choices about the future of marine shipping.
“Marine shipping is at a critical turning point,” said Paul Blomerus, CEO of Clear Seas. “Industry leaders, policymakers, and communities are being asked to make long-term decisions today, often with incomplete information and multiple competing objectives. This project provides tools and insights to help guide those decisions in a more systematic and resilient way.”
“This project examines how different environmental considerations in marine shipping can interact when technologies or operational changes are introduced. Looking at these interactions can help researchers and organizations better understand where potential trade-offs or synergies may exist when evaluating technologies and operational approaches” says Marie-Chantal Ross, Director, Ocean Program, National Research Council of Canada.
As organizations assess a wide range of emerging fuels, technologies, and investment pathways, the research identifies how uncertainty and trade-offs are becoming increasingly prominent in strategic planning. The findings highlight that no single solution is likely to meet all objectives, making it essential to consider multiple perspectives and criteria when evaluating options.
To share insights from the project, Clear Seas, the NRC, and UBC will host a public webinar titled “Pathways to Zero-Impact Shipping: Navigating Trade-offs and Uncertainty in Marine Shipping Decisions” on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern.
The webinar will feature a panel discussion with leading experts, including:
- Marie-Chantal Ross, Director, Ocean Program, National Research Council of Canada
- Dr. Amanda Giang, Associate Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia
- Dr. Simone Philpott, Fellow, Cascade Institute, Royal Roads University
The session will introduce the project’s decision-support tool and demonstrate how it can be used across different priorities. It will also explore how structured decision-making frameworks can help stakeholders better understand trade-offs, incorporate diverse priorities, and adapt to evolving information in their planning processes.
Participants will gain practical insights into approaches that support more robust, evidence-based decisions—ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient marine shipping sector.
Event Details:
- Title: Pathways to Zero-Impact Shipping: Navigating Trade-offs and Uncertainty in Marine Shipping Decisions
- Date: June 25, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern
For more information or to register for the webinar, please visit the Clear Seas website.
About Clear Seas
Clear Seas is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable governments, industry, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues. Clear Seas envisions a future for Canada where marine shipping accelerates economic growth safely, sustainability, and in partnership with Indigenous people.
Media Contact:
Meghan Mathieson
Director of Strategy and Engagement
Clear Seas
meghan.mathieson@clearseas.org
604.928.1734