Global Container Terminals’ Deltaport in British Columbia transitions to 100% renewable fuel for diesel equipment

Chief Laura Cassidy, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Cheryl Yaremko, the chief financial officer of GCT, share in the milestone moment. (Photo: Global Container Terminals)

Global Container Terminals announced Sept. 17 that GCT Deltaport—Canada’s flagship container terminal—has now fully transitioned to 100 percent renewable fuel for diesel equipment, marking what the company said is a major step forward in its decarbonization journey.

This achievement was made possible through a strong partnership with Tsawwassen First Nation and long-time fuel supplier Parkland Corp., reflecting what GCT stated is a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and economic reconciliation.

The move aligns with GCT’s climate strategy to reduce absolute emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

Renewable fuels allow GCT to cut emissions immediately without premature equipment replacement—paving the way for future hybrid and zero-emission technology adoption.

The transition to renewable fuels at GCT Deltaport is more than an environmental achievement, according to the company.

“It reflects a longstanding, values-driven partnership between GCT and Tsawwassen First Nation, whose lands the terminal operates on,” GCT stated. “This collaboration is grounded in a shared commitment to sustainability, economic opportunity and respect for the environment and community.”

TFN continues to demonstrate leadership in balancing economic development with cultural and environmental stewardship, creating pathways for long-term prosperity for Tsawwassen members while protecting the land and water for future generations, GCT stated.

This venture will generate shared revenue that TFN can reinvest directly into its people, “helping to build a brighter future for all members,” GCT added.

“Today we recognize an important step forward,” said Chief Laura Cassidy. “GCT’s transition to 100 percent renewable fuels for diesel equipment shows that meaningful collaboration is possible. As a modern urban Treaty Nation, Tsawwassen stands in a unique position to both prosper economically while reinvesting in the stewardship of our lands and waters. We hope decisions like these will create opportunities for our people and help nature heal from the industrial impacts of colonization, just as the decisions of the past have helped the sockeye return to our waters this year. We look forward to continuing this work with GCT and others in the spirit of reconciliation and shared responsibility.”

Over the years, GCT and TFN have worked together on initiatives that reflect these shared principles, including:

• The Salish Sea Spirit House Post—created by Tsawwassen artist and carver Karl Morgan and installed at Deltaport as a symbol of enduring connection to the land and commitment to protecting the ecosystem and building stronger relationships within the community.

• The Future of Nations Scholarship Program—launched in 2022 to support post-secondary Indigenous students, recognizes leadership, academic excellence and community service.

• Shared support of important milestones and events—like TFN National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations, Treaty Day, Youth Programs and the GCT Deltaport 25th Anniversary. 

This partnership also advances GCT’s commitment to work on Call to Action No. 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by supporting economic reconciliation and ensuring that Indigenous communities are full partners in Canada’s sustainable future. 

“Transitioning to renewable fuels is about more than lowering emissions—it’s about building a cleaner, more resilient future,” said Eric Waltz, president and CEO of GCT. “This milestone was achieved through close collaboration with the Tsawwassen First Nation and Parkland Corp. It shows how environmental responsibility and meaningful Indigenous partnerships can go hand-in-hand.”

The transition at GCT Deltaport follows the successful 2024 rollout of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm, completed in partnership with Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s SPAL Corp. and Parkland Corp. 

GCT terminals are now 100 percent operating on renewable fuel for diesel equipment. 

Renewable diesel delivers an industry-expected emissions reduction of 60 percent to 80 percent.

In its first two quarters of use, GCT Deltaport achieved a 65 percent reduction in emissions, demonstrating the immediate and measurable environmental impact of this transition.

These actions are part of GCT’s broader commitment to sustainability across all terminals and reinforce the company’s actions in responsible terminal operations and reconciliation.