VMCC Newsletter
THE LOOKOUT
ISSUE 11. | WINTER 2026
Sharper Clarity for Maritime Climate Leadership
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we step into 2026, the momentum behind maritime decarbonization has never been stronger—or more urgent – despite what the global media may lead you to believe. Across British Columbia and around the world, the sector is shifting from ambition to action, and the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate is ready to help steer that transition with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
This year, our priorities reflect both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead. 2026 will be a year of building: building capacity, building partnerships, and building key networks that we hope will lead to real projects taking shape on the water and in our ports. We’re also expanding our role as a convener—bringing together industry, government, Indigenous partners, researchers, and community leaders to align efforts and unlock shared progress.
Whether you’re advancing technology, shaping policy, or exploring how your organization can contribute to a low‑carbon future, there’s a place for you in this growing community.
If you’re not yet a member of VMCC, now is the perfect moment to join us and help shape the future of maritime climate action in our region. You can also stay connected by subscribing to this newsletter and tuning in to our monthly webinar series, where we spotlight emerging technologies, global best practices, and the people driving change across the sector.
Together, we can deepen our work on practical pathways to zero‑emission vessels, accelerate the deployment of clean fuels and shore power, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem that will define the next decade of maritime climate solutions. Let’s make 2026 a defining year for maritime decarbonization—and for the leadership that British Columbia brings to the world.
Warmest regards;
Bryan Buggey
Executive Director
New Navigating Maritime Decarbonization Course
In partnership with the Synergy Academy, this 10‑week virtual course gives marine operators practical, actionable guidance on maritime decarbonization. Participants gain clarity on key opportunities, financial impacts, real‑world case studies, leading practices, emerging regulations, and available infrastructure and funding. The program includes five bi‑weekly 1.5‑hour sessions that cover decarbonization fundamentals, retrofits, clean technologies, alternative propulsion, poly‑fuel markets, and implementation strategies.
Last chance to register! Sign up for this course before it begins on February 5, 2026. VMCC members receive 10% off with code VMCC10.
Next Webinar: C40 Green Ports Forum
Wednesday, February 18
12:00–1:00 PM PST
From Strategy to Supply: How ports and shipping are advancing clean fuels. This webinar will be online-only and open to all. Topics will include port strategy, shipping and corridors, and new market creation.
Moderator
Juvarya Veltkamp, Senior Advisor at C40 Cities
Speakers
Lisa Wunder, Port of LA, Director, Environmental Management Division
Øistein Jensen, ODFJELL, Chief Sustainability Officer
Past Speaker Series Webinars
Peter Wallace
Lloyd’s Register
Jan 2026 | Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime Sectors
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, we hosted Peter Wallace, Principal Engineer, Risk & Regulatory Advisory, Lloyd’s Register, who spoke about nuclear energy in the maritime and offshore industry in design, operations, asset integrity, risk management, and technology. Currently, he provides advisory services at the principal engineer level in both marine and offshore environments.
Jeremy Rochussen
UBC
Dec 2025 | Emissions Reduction: Utilizing & Collecting Data
In December, we welcomed Dr. Jeremy Rochussen from UBC’s Urban Freight System Emissions program, which is developing new techniques to measure emissions and air-quality impacts. This presentation focused on the work they have done measuring GHG and air-pollutant emissions using real on-board data collected from biofuel (B50, B100) and LNG-powered vessels operating in the Salish Sea.
Thank you for attending Greenship 2025
Approximately 160 people attended the fourth Greenship conference in November 2025, representing shipbuilders, government, academia, and more. A big thank you to our dedicated sponsors and inspiring speakers. Your insights are vital for the sustainable future of our industry. We are proud to be a platform for like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering change and innovation in maritime decarbonization.
Interested in sponsoring next year?
Contact Bryan at bryan.buggey@vmcclimate.ca
Save the date! Thursday, November 19, 2026
Port of Vancouver E-Methanol Study Discussion Paper
In November 2025, Oceans North and Arup released a discussion paper outlining a conceptual plan for a grid-connected e-methanol facility. By combining green hydrogen with captured carbon, the study evaluates the technology and resources—like clean power and water—needed to produce this sustainable fuel at scale.
This research aims to ground future discussions on West Coast green shipping corridors by addressing real-world risks and barriers. With major shipping lines identifying e-methanol as a vital tool for decarbonization, the study explores how to build a reliable, domestic fuel supply.
Oceans North invites VMCC members to share feedback to help shape future policy. Please contact Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action, at bdancey@oceansnorth.ca.