A new study released by Arup in collaboration with Oceans North outlines a potential pathway for developing zero-emission marine fuel production on Canada’s west coast, positioning the Port of Vancouver as a future hub for green shipping corridors.
As Canada advances efforts to decarbonise the maritime sector, several green shipping corridor initiatives are emerging, particularly along the west coast. Two of these corridors focus on cruise and bulk shipping, sectors under growing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable trade and tourism links. The study examines what would be required to establish a domestic supply of zero-emission fuel tailored to these routes, demonstrating how a made-in-Canada solution could support low-emission shipping and strengthen the country’s role in an evolving global fuel market.
Arup partnered with Oceans North, a Canadian marine conservation charity, to develop a conceptual plan for a large-scale e-methanol production facility at the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s busiest port. The proposed facility would supply fuel to bulk carriers and cruise ships operating along west coast routes.
E-methanol has been identified by major shipping lines and maritime analysts as a key fuel for decarbonising ocean transport. The study envisions a grid-connected e-methanol plant that combines green hydrogen produced through electrolysis with carbon captured directly from the air, creating a scalable and low-emission fuel supply.
According to Arup, the concept demonstrates how renewable electricity, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies can be integrated to deliver e-methanol at a scale suitable for deep emissions reductions. Compared to conventional marine fuels, e-methanol could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 to 100 percent, making it a strong candidate for supporting zero-emission shipping corridors.
The analysis indicates that the facility could be developed in multiple phases, eventually producing up to 200,000 tonnes of e-methanol per year. Over its operational lifetime, this output could displace approximately 11.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Oceans North noted that as global shipping moves toward cleaner fuels, Canada must act to remain competitive and connected to international markets. The report provides a practical foundation for future discussions, while also highlighting regulatory, infrastructure, and economic barriers that will need to be addressed to make large-scale zero-emission fuel production a reality.
