#ClearFacts Blog:
Marine Shipping Issues, Simplified
We help answer common questions about marine shipping in Canada.
September 7, 2017
The Importance of Ballast Water Management
Ballast water is essential for the safe operation of ships. It is used to adjust the overall weight of the vessel and its internal distribution in order to keep the ship floating safely, upright and in a stable condition. It is used to compensate for different cargo loads that a ship may carry at different times, including during loading and unloading. It also provides stability and manoeuverability during transit.
August 31, 2017
10 Questions About Underwater Noise & Marine Mammals
With increased marine traffic in Canada’s coastal waters comes an increase in underwater noise from vessels – and a need to understand the impacts on marine mammals who use sound to communicate, feed, navigate and reproduce.
August 23, 2017
The Polluter Pays Principle
The term ‘polluter pays principle’ (PPP) is found in many of the guiding conventions, regulations and laws surrounding commercial marine shipping. However, the significance of the principle can be difficult to interpret.
August 16, 2017
What Is Shore Power And Why Does It Matter?
Shore power is an effective way of reducing air emissions and improving local air quality.
August 10, 2017
Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales
North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered species of large whales.
August 3, 2017
Canada’s Top Marine Exports and Imports
Canada is fortunate to have a vast wealth of natural resources which contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that the majority of Canada’s marine exports and imports, by volume, are natural resource-based bulk commodities.
July 19, 2017
How is the Marine Shipping Industry Regulated?
Commercial marine shipping is inherently an international activity. As such, the industry requires regulation at the international level. International maritime regulations, also known as conventions, are developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
July 6, 2017
Who is Responsible for Responding to a Ship-source Oil Spill in Canada?
A ship-source oil spill is defined as a discharge of any type of oil from a commercial vessel into the marine environment. In the event of a ship-source oil spill in Canadian waters, three main players are involved in responding to and cleaning up the spill: the polluter, the contracted response organization, and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).