The Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority announced Nov. 13 its welcoming of two transformative projects supported by Transport Canada’s Green Shipping Corridors Fund, marking a significant step forward in sustainable marine transportation on the Great Lakes.

The Port Colborne Marine Biofuel Terminal is a new 12-acre, 8-million-liter biofuel terminal in Port Colborne, Ontario.

This CAD$33 million (USD$23.6 million) project, supported by CAD$13.8 million (USD$9.9 million) in federal funding, represents a partnership between HOPA Ports, Canada Clean Fuels, and Canada Steamship Lines.

At full capacity, the facility will distribute up to 70 million liters (18.5 million gallons) of biodiesel annually, sufficient to fuel more than 100 vessels per year.

“Our ports are essential gateways to Canada’s economy,” said Anita Anand, the president of the treasury board and minister of transport. “These innovative projects will help us protect our planet, build a greener economy for Canadians, reduce emissions and keep our communities connected.”

Ian Hamilton, the president and CEO of HOPA Ports, added, “Port Colborne’s strategic position allows for near year-round service, making it uniquely advantageous on the Great Lakes. This project builds on HOPA’s success at the Thorold Multimodal Hub and demonstrates our commitment to maximizing the potential of underutilized industrial lands along the Welland Canal.”

The project is expected to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by approximately 144,000 metric tons by 2030 and 2.8 million tons over the facility’s lifetime.

“Incorporating green infrastructure into our logistics strategy promotes sustainability by reducing environmental impacts,” said Vance Badawey, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of transport. “Through renewable energy sources, sustainable materials and nature-based solutions, we can decrease emissions and enhance the long-term resilience of logistics hubs along the Great Lakes.”

HOPA Ports also congratulated its partner Sterling Fuels on receiving funding to modify existing infrastructure and construct additional vessel-fueling facilities at the Port of Hamilton.

This CAD$4 million (USD$2.9 million) project, supported by CAD$2 million (USD$1.4 million) from the Green Shipping Corridors Program, will add two tanks to Sterling Fuels’ existing Hamilton facility, as well as the associated pumps and piping to allow for Sterling Fuels to receive, store and deliver biofuels.

These strategic improvements, in conjunction with improved capabilities in Windsor, will allow Sterling Fuels to meet its customers’ future demand for biofuels.

Chris Bittle, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of housing, infrastructure and communities, emphasized the broader impact.

“As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, our government is committed to building a greener economy,” Bittle said. “Projects like this are a step toward a greener marine sector, ensuring our ports remain vital for trade, while leading the way in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth for our communities.”

Hamilton added, “Ships already represent the most efficient way to move cargo, producing fewer emissions than rail and trucking. With these new biofuel facilities, we’re making marine transportation even cleaner and setting new standards for sustainable shipping on the Great Lakes.”