CONFERENCE RECAP: SHORT SEA SHIPPING
As global supply chains evolve post-pandemic, panelists agreed that coastal shipping will play a growing role in diversification.
Williams emphasized the need for a long-term vision. “Governments should think 30 to 50 years ahead,” he argued. “Set a clear plan for how short sea shipping fits into our overall trans- portation network — working with municipalities, Indigenous commun- ities, and industry.” Stradiotti offered two concrete pri- orities: dredging and renewable fuel incentives. “The North Arm of the Fraser River has been a commercial channel for over a century, but silt buildup is limiting its use,” he said. “Federal and provincial support for dredging would expand capacity sig- nificantly.” On the environmental front, he pointed out that renewable diesel could help decarbonize coastal operations — but only if regulatory credits apply to remote communities and BC Hydro’s non-integrated power systems. “If we could deliver renew- able fuel economically to the coast, the emissions benefits would be substan- tial and immediate.” Learning from global leaders Asked about innovative models abroad, the panelists looked to Europe and Australia for inspiration. Williams praised Sydney’s ferry and water taxi system as a model for inte- grating people and freight transport. “Our roads are jammed, and we could be using our waterways far more effi- ciently,” he said. On the cargo side, he pointed to Europe’s growing fleet of electric and autonomous coastal ves- sels. “They’re proving that zero-emis- sion short sea shipping is achievable,” he said. “If we can pair electric propul- sion with automation, we can lead the world.” Miller agreed, highlighting digitiza- tion and public-private partnerships as success factors. “Around the world, DP World has seen how three-P partner- ships (public private partnerships) can stimulate local economies,” he said.
said. “Our BC Vehicle Processing Center operation at the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf, for instance, wouldn’t be feasible without the abil- ity to move autos by various short sea shipping solutions from Vancouver Island to the mainland.” As cargo types diversify and new industries emerge — particularly in mining and energy — Williams sees coastal shipping as an increasingly critical tool. “For new projects, espe- cially in northern B.C., where road or rail infrastructure may be limited, barging becomes the most efficient way to move materials in and out,” he explained. “It’s all about matching the right mode to the right commodity and location.” Linking the Island and the world Colby Miller, General Manager of DP World Vancouver, described how his company’s global logistics network is expanding its coastal footprint in B.C. DP World operates major ter- minals in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Nanaimo, and manages container barge services between Vancouver Island and the Mainland. “Our barge linkage allows products from Vancouver Island to access global markets efficiently,” Miller said. “It also helps bring goods the other way — from overseas or North American sources — to the Island. If it fits in a container, we can ship it.” Miller highlighted short sea ship- ping’s resilience during crises. “When natural disasters like the 2021 atmos- pheric river disrupted road and rail links, the ability to pivot to barge- based movement became essential,” he noted. “It’s effectively a marine
highway — a flexible, efficient, and sustainable option.” Opportunities on the horizon As global supply chains evolve post- pandemic, panelists agreed that coastal shipping will play a growing role in diversification. Mines, renewable energy projects, and regional manu- facturing could all benefit from water- based logistics. Stradiotti pointed to opportunities where water access exists, but deep- sea infrastructure doesn’t. “In remote regions where building large ports isn’t feasible, tugs and barges can connect these sites to multimodal hubs,” he said. He cited examples from North Arm’s history — such as transporting supplies and finished materials for the Cassiar asbestos mine in the 1980s — as a model for how future mineral pro- jects could operate. Williams added that short sea shipping thrives where traditional infrastructure is constrained. “If the volume isn’t large enough for a full- scale terminal, or the geography makes overland transport difficult, barging becomes the logical choice,” he said. How governments can help When the conversation turned to policy, all three panelists stressed that government has a key role in sup- porting this maritime sector. For DP World’s Miller, harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions is essen- tial. “Switching modes — especially across provincial or federal boundaries — can be complex,” he said. “Customs clearance, infrastructure funding, and permitting all need to be aligned. A consistent regulatory framework would make a huge difference.”
38 — PACIFIC PORTS — October/November 2025
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