Topic: Shipping Regulations

The St. Lawrence marine corridor plays a key role in Canada’s economy and supply chain. The geography as well as the unique physical attributes and water dynamics of the St. Lawrence challenge the commercial ships transiting through this maritime route in more than one way.

Efforts to reduce emissions from ships – including stricter regulations about marine fuels’ allowable level of sulphur – are curbing the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the marine shipping industry.

Overview of the environmental standards and certification programs aimed at encouraging ship owners and operators, industry providers and port authorities to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint.

IMO 2020 limits the amount of sulphur permitted in commercial ship fuel to 0.5% for ships operating worldwide.

The 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention sets out a liability regime to compensate for damage caused by incidents involving HNS transported by sea.