Research Projects

Clear Seas is undertaking a multifaceted analysis to help describe risks related to marine shipping activities and to assist in marine spatial planning on Canada’s Pacific coast.

In collaboration with Clear Seas and funded by MEOPAR, a team led by researcher Dr. Amanda Giang at the University of British Columbia is undertaking a project to assess how decarbonization of marine shipping can provide air quality co-benefits to coastal communities.

Clear Seas partnered with the Angus Reid Institute again to update the findings of its 2018 nation-wide public opinion poll on marine shipping. This third study in the series features a Shipping Confidence Index designed to provide a ranking of the various viewpoints on marine shipping.

Clear Seas commissioned Dillon Consulting to identify and map sensitive coastal areas along most of Canada’s Pacific Coast.

Clear Seas commissioned Nuka Research to examine the availability and capability of commercial tugs – known as tugs of opportunity – to respond to a request for an emergency tow from a disabled ship in Canada’s Pacific region.

Clear Seas partnered with the Angus Reid Institute again in 2018 to update the findings of a 2016 public opinion poll. Canadians view marine shipping as increasingly important to Canada.

Clear Seas commissioned Vard Marine Inc. to assess emergency towing vessel needs for different types of large commercial ships transiting Canada’s Pacific coast, including container ships, bulk carriers, vehicle carriers, LNG carriers, passenger ships, and tankers.

Clear Seas commissioned Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC to assess the risk that a disabled vessel could drift aground on Canada’s Pacific coast before help arrives.

The study examines a scope that extends beyond economic impacts and draws conclusions about how marine shipping contributes much to Canadians’ daily lives – whether or not they live in coastal communities.

This research has examined spill response policies and practices in seven ports in five countries, which has provided a range of national policies and port conditions and practices against which to consider Canadian policies and practices.