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Engage with thought-leaders in the maritime industry by attending VMCC events.
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Upcoming Events
Engage with thought-leaders in the maritime industry by attending VMCC events. Scroll through this monthly calendar to view and register for upcoming events.
GreenShip 2023
North America’s only conference focused on maritime shipping and transportation decarbonization.
2nd Year Anniversary
Celebrate with us! Join us at our annual cocktail reception on Thursday May 11th, 2023, at Earls Loft, Yaletown. Tickets available now! See you there!
HullWiper Event
Discover how innovative technology can keep oceans clean and green at this private networking event. Wednesday February 22nd 2023 at Steamworks Brewpub in Gastown.
GreenShip 2022 Conference
The Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate is thrilled to convene the first annual GreenShip 2022—held at the beautiful SFU Harbour Centre in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday, November 29th. This year's only conference in Canada focused exclusively on maritime shipping and transport decarbonization.
Online Webinar: Low Carbon Fuels Act and Federal Clean Fuel Regulations for the Marine Sector
Low Carbon Fuels Act and Federal Clean Fuel Regulations as it pertains to decarbonizing the maritime sector.
Spring Webinar Series: Green Shipping Corridors: Decarbonizing the Ocean’s Transportation Highways
Green Shipping Corridors: Decarbonizing the Ocean’s Transportation Highways
Cheers to VMCC
Thank you for joining us! Photos will be posted soon.
If you’d like to get updates, please join our mailing list.
Winter 2022 Member Roundtable
VMCC Winter Member Roundtable
Join us for the first Member Roundtable of 2022, with special guest speaker, Lee Kindberg, Head of Environment & Sustainability for Maersk, North America. Lee will be speaking on Maritime Decarbonization Strategies with a focus on fuels and metrics.
Following Lee, VMCC will provide an update on;
Projects & Plans for 2022
Update from the Work Groups
Green Shipping Strategy Development
Operation Flagship Challenges & Partnering Opportunities
Ways to Engage with VMCC
This event is open to VMCC members and industry at large, you can register by following the link below,
Proceedings
Guest Speaker
Lee Kindberg is Head of Environment and Sustainability for Maersk in North America, responsible for vessel compliance and initiatives, stakeholder outreach and customer support on supply chain sustainability in North America.
Dr. Kindberg currently serves on the Marine Board of the U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Marine Environment. She served on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act Advisory Committee and Mobile Source Technical Review Subcommittee and co-chaired the EPA Ports Workgroup from 2014-2016. She is also active in Business for Social Responsibility’s Clean Cargo Group, a global group dedicated to assessing and improving the environmental impact of shipping. Dr. Kindberg received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Alabama and a Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina. She completed the Competent Boards Certificate program and was granted their Global Competent Board Designation (GCB.D) in January 2020. (https://competentboards.com/ ). She has an extensive background in the chemical industry, where she was Director of Government Relations & Environmental Science for the Hoechst Celanese Fibers & Specialty Chemicals Groups. She was active in national and state industry groups and served on the Boards of several state chemical and industry associations. She joined Maersk in 2005.
VMCC Networking Event
Interested to see how an in-person networking event happens in the midst of a global pandemic? Ready to start dressing from the waist down? We promise we won’t disappoint! Join us for some mask wearing, elbow bumping good fun as we get to know one another live, at VMCC’s first in person networking event!
VMCC will follow Provincial Health Orders for this event. This includes limiting the number of attendees, checking guests proof of vaccination and ensuring all guests are safe by requiring a mask indoors when not seated. Guests are welcome to remove their masks while seated and while enjoying food and beverages.
VMCC Members - Free
non-Members - $40
Space is limited, so be sure to sign up now.
VMCC Pitch Event
Operation Flagship is at the heart of VMCC's operations. Designed to pair innovators with site hosts, this final session will give applicants the chance to pitch directly to regional ship owners, terminal operators and other asset owners along the supply chain, for a chance to pilot their technology on site.
The panellists for this event include,
Roy Kristensen, Director of Engineering, Global Container Terminals (GCT) Canada
Daryl Lawes, Environment Manager, Seaspan ULC
Michael Lowry, Senior Communications Manager, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC)
Donald Grant, CEO, Ocean Startup Project at Innovacorp
This will be an exciting conclusion to the mini-forum, with a focus on setting the decarbonization ball in motion!
Guests are welcome to register by following the link below.
Financing the Green Transition
Starting with a quick update on COP26, this session will transition to discussion from speakers who will focus on the nuts of bolts of financing decarbonization capital projects.
Register by clicking the button below.
Innovators Showcase
The innovators showcase will feature innovators looking to push the limits of decarbonization in the maritime and shipping industry. With a focus on innovators thinking ahead of the decarbonization curve, VMCC has sourced speakers from Europe and North America for this engaging same day, two-part series.
8:00-10:00hrs - European Innovators
The early morning session will feature innovators from Europe.
10:30-12:30hrs - Domestic Innovators
The mid-morning session will feature innovators from across North America.
Guests are welcome to register by clicking the button below.
Ship Owners Summit
VMCC recognizes that sharing experience and bench marking is an important part of vessel operations, but not always possible due to busy schedules. To help ship owners over come this barrier, we are proud to be hosting our first annual Ship Owners Summit.
This is a chance for ship owners to come together and discuss challenges, lessons learned and experience with decarbonization tech outside of the spotlight and in a private setting.
Interested in attending? Email info@vmcclimate.ca to learn more.
To attend email info@vmcclimate.ca
Member Welcome & Information Event
Originally a hybrid event, the Member Welcome & Information session is now online! Join us for this VMCC members-only event to hear from VMCC’s Executive Director about the organizations operations, work group updates and a tour of the member portal.
Market, Technology & Policy Update
During this first forum session, speakers will delve into what's new since we met last year by providing updates to regional plans and initiatives as well as highlighting major trends that have shaped change in the regional and global decarbonization of the maritime and shipping industry over the last twelve months. Identifying major trends that have shaped change over the last 12 months. Global & local alternative fuels market & trends in shipping, forecasting.
VMCC Fall Mini Forum
VMCC 2021 Fall Forum
Please join us for our annual fall forum featuring speakers from across Canada and around the world, addressing topics relevant to decarbonization of the maritime and shipping industry.
Speakers will cover a range of topics while discussing provincial and national initiatives and developments, as well as bring a global perspective to the progress and trends impacting the global shipping market.
Sessions run every Friday from October 22nd to November 26th 9:00-11:00hrs PST with the exception of the Innovators Showcase on Friday November 12th, running in two streams on the same day;
8:00-10:00hrs PST for International Innovators
10:30-12:30hrs PST for Canadian Innovators
Virtual Events:
Friday October 22nd - Market, Technology & Policy Update
Friday October 29th - Ports & Terminals: A Global Perspective
Friday November 5th - Ship Owners Exchange
Friday November 12th - Innovators Showcase
Friday November 19th - Financing the Green Transition
Friday November 26th - VMCC Innovators Pitch Event
Hybrid Events:
Friday October 29th - Member Info & Engagement Event*
Friday November 5th - First Annual Ship Owners Summit*
In Person:
Friday November 26th - VMCC’s Networking Event**
Steamworks Brewpub (Gastown), 375 Water St, Vancouver
Harbour View Room
*Invitation Only
**VMCC will follow Provincial Health Guidelines and limit the capacity of this event. Guests will also be required to show proof of vaccination and should be comfortable wearing a mask indoors.
Interested in speaking? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us here.
VMCC Events are proudly sponsored by METIS Cyberspace Technologies and Hull Wiper
Summer Member Roundtable
Join us for the second member round table of the year where VMCC will discuss:
The new Green Shipping Strategy
VMCC's pilot project program, Operation Flagship. Learn about current calls and how to apply.
Work Group Updates
Ways to Engage with VMCC
VMCC x METIS: Maritime Digitization - The Concept, The Value, and The Catch
Join us on June 17th for our live panel discussion where we partner with METIS Cybertechnology to discuss digitization in the maritime industry and how it is predicted to change the face of shipping in the future. Register below to virtually attend this exciting new event!
VMCC x SEDNA: The Hidden Energy Costs of Shipping
Register to virtually attend our June 3rd forum about the sustainability initiatives impacting a vital, global industry.
For Canadian Environment Week, our partners at SEDNA are helping VMCC spotlight the advocates and ideas improving the energy efficiency of shipping.
VMCC Launch
We made it! It’s time to join VMCCs’ Official Launch!
After a long year of slugging away on the side of our desks, we’re ready to invite you to celebrate with us.
This virutal event will take place in your home, office, or where ever you find yourself at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday April 30th 2021. Pull up a chair, kick off your shoes, and sit back for some fun and celebrating with the VMCC leadership team, support staff and key note speakers from our tight knit community.
Registration is required for this event, follow the link below to sign up.
Member Round Table
Join us this Friday February 26th for the first Member Round Table of 2021.
This meeting will be held virtually and provide an update on what’s been happening at VMCC and a forecast for the year head.
Learn more about VMCC projects and programs set to roll out in the coming months including our pilot project program, Operation Flagship, and how you can get involved.
If you haven’t already recieved an invite, you can register by clicking the link below.
Technology Providers
Everyone’s got an idea of how to get this done, but only those providing the solutions know the facts. During this session we will hear from technology and service providers who have first hand knowledge of emissions savings that can be earned by implementing their technologies.
9:00 AM Guests Log in
9:05 AM Welcome & Introduce Moderator
9:10 AM Wartsila
9:30 AM Portlink
9:50 AM Zinus
10:10 AM METIS
10:40 AM Fleet Cleaner
11:00 AM Dasivedo Design Ltd.
Sponsored by Wartsila
Future Fuels
It’s the million dollar question that has the maritime industry holding it’s breath. As the world races towards a green future, will there be a one-size fits all fuel solution, or a combination hybrid model to furnish the needs of a ships specific operating profile. Come hear those at the forefront of the global energy transition discuss the fuels on this event horizon and how they fit into the maritime world.
9:00 AM Guests Log In
9:05 AM Welcome & Introduce Moderator
9:10 AM Corvus
9:30 AM Lloyds Register
10:00 AM Voltsafe
10:20 AM H-Tech
10:40 AM Fortis BC
11:00 AM Wartsila
Sponsored by Corvus Energy
Ship Operators
Ship Owners face the unique challenge of greening up their fleets to compulsory regulations or voluntary guidelines while trying to meet their bottom line. In this discussion stream, you’ll hear both domestic and international ship owners discuss the challenges they’re facing as well as the solutions they’ve identified and the progress their making to help them sail into a green future.
9:00 AM Guests Log In
9:05 AM Welcome, Introduction to Moderator
9:10 AM Seaspan Ship Management
9:30 AM BC Ferries
9:50 AM Seaspan ULC
10:10 AM Canadian Coast Guard
10:30 AM SWIRE, China Navigation Co.
Sponsored by Seaspan Ship Management
Finance
When it comes to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon maritime shipping industry, the adoption of new practices, solutions and specific technologies isn’t cheap. So, while many technologies and solutions already exist today and many more are under development, the big question remains…how do we finance this great transition? This speaking stream will take a look at climate risk disclosure and the impact that is having on the financial community, what makes an investment opportunity actionable in green infrastructure, venture capital investments in the cleantech sector, and how joint innovation projects can be funded through innovative public-private partnerships.
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:15 AM Opening Remarks and Introductions
9:15 – 10:15 AM 4 presentations of 12-15 minutes each (as outlined below)
10:15 – 11:00 AM Panel discussion with Q&A from members & guests
Topic #1: The Growth of Sustainable Finance
The growing momentum behind sustainable finance—directing capital towards projects that are climate positive and reducing greenhouse gas emissions—is creating an enormous economic opportunity. What are the different ways your business can best position itself to take advantage of the opportunity sustainable finance presents? Who are the players looking to invest in this space? This presentation will look at the global trends around sustainable finance, what it means for the maritime industry, and how better disclosure of climate risk can be a strategic advantage for your business.
Topic #2: Investing in Green Infrastructure
Investing in green infrastructure will be an important aspect of any resilience and adaptation strategy that a community such as the maritime industry in BC is facing. Learn about key project development and finance milestones from an investment perspective. What innovative finance options could be brought to our green maritime projects here? What are the current challenges to overcome and how are we positioned to take advantage of these opportunities (or not).
Topic #3: Cleantech and Venture Capital
Greater Vancouver has a thriving cleantech community that is recognized as the largest in Canada and one of the top 10 clusters in the world. With about 300 pure-play cleantech companies, and hundreds more that are sustainability-related, Vancouver is well-positioned to assist the local maritime sector decarbonize. So, how are these start-ups and scale-ups funded? What are the financial supports in place from our senior levels of government? What role does venture capital and angel investments play? How can we do a better job in matching our cleantech community with our maritime sector and get pilots funded and low-carbon solutions adopted?
Topic #4: Financing Joint Innovation Projects
Washington Maritime Blue has a model to get key pilots and demonstration projects off the ground. They are called Joint Innovation Projects and are a creative approach to Public-Private Partnerships. Learn about how project consortiums are formed in ways that can accelerate design and implementation of key projects. Using the Hydrofoil Fast Ferry as the example, learn about the mechanics of the financial deal and consider what’s transferable here in the Canadian context. Who were the key leaders? Supporters? What role did economic development play versus climate?
Bring your curiosity and questions as there will be a panel discussion after the 4 talks for you to get your questions answered and comments heard.
Sponsored by the Vancouver Economic Commission
Regulation & Future Proofing
The maritime industry is under going a wave of change as it navigates the energy transition, and who better to help break down the path ahead than those shaping the requirements.
9:00 AM Guests Log in
9:05 AM Welcome
9:10 AM DNV
9:40 AM Brightspot
10:00 AM Lloyds Register
10:30 AM Environment & Climate Change Canada
![DNV_logo_standard[2194].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4868cf0085a3323ee2ac56/1615314256469-NR0EVXMR69YI7EXZHX6K/DNV_logo_standard%5B2194%5D.png){kind=logo}
Sponsored by DNV
Industry & Climate Associations
They surround us, an invisible force working to support the needs and future of the maritime and shipping industry. This stream features speakers from regional, national as well as global associations.
9:00 AM Association for BC Maritime Industries (ABCMI)
9:20 AM Chamber of Shipping
9:40 AM Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA)
10:00 AM International Windship Association (IWSA)
10:20 AM Green Marine
10:40 AM Washington Maritime Blue
Sponsord by ABCMI
Past Events
Review past events hosted by VMCC including event recordings and proceedings, where available.
