Canadian Coast Guard launches biodiesel project, issues RFP for hybrid-electric vessel

In line with the government of Canada’s 2030 and 2050 commitments to reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, the Canadian Coast Guard is pursuing tangible decarbonization efforts. The Canadian Coast Guard announced important steps Oct. 4 in reducing its emission output: the start of a biodiesel testing project and the launch of the next phase in the construction of the government of Canada’s first hybrid-electric vessel.

Earlier this month, following the award of a contract to procure biodiesel from Windsor, Ontario-based Sterling Fuels, the Canadian Coast Guard broke historic ground for the government of Canada, becoming the first government agency to trial a 20 percent biodiesel blend in one of its vessels, the CCGS Caribou Isle.

Over the coming months, various biodiesel ratios will be tested in order to enable the Canadian Coast Guard to assess operational feasibility and technological compatibility of higher blend rates across various operational settings. This biodiesel test project will assist in advancing solutions to decrease emissions in the immediate term.

In addition to testing greener fuels, the Canadian Coast Guard is preparing for construction of a new hybrid-electric Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel to reduces consumption of diesel. Following the design and engineering work for a vessel class fitted with a battery energy-storage system, the Canadian Coast Guard has issued a request for proposal to Canadian shipbuilders to start construction of one vessel.

The successful bidder will incorporate Canadian innovative green technologies in the construction of the vessel. These include the overall design by British Columbia vessel designer Robert Allan Ltd., a propulsion and battery system by Prince Edward Island engineering firm Aspin Kemp and Associates, and deck-equipment systems engineering by Nova Scotia’s Hawboldt Industries Ltd.

Canadian shipbuilders are welcome to learn more about this opportunity, by visiting the NSFRV Build Request for Proposal on CanadaBuys.

Through these two important projects, the Canadian Coast Guard is taking a major step in the overall objective of lowering its fleet’s carbon emissions. The Canadian Coast Guard stated that it looks forward to continuing this important work in partnership with leading Canadian green industries.

“The Canadian Coast Guard is taking significant steps in reducing its carbon footprint with these two initiatives,” said Joyce Murray, the minister of fisheries, oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “I’m looking forward to expanding these green initiatives, which will chart a positive course toward a cleaner, low-carbon environment from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

Mario Pelletier, the commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, added, “This new electric hybrid-powered vessel and the use of biodiesel in our fleet have the potential to become a watershed moment in future shipbuilding and green-fuel use. These initiatives give us reasons to be proud and to be hopeful. Congratulations to all Canadian Coast Guard personnel and project stakeholders on achieving these latest milestones.”