Canada’s ports call for energy sovereignty

The appeal is rooted in concerns over supply chain security, energy sovereignty and Canada’s heavy reliance on foreign-controlled shipping. Industry leaders point to the work of global economist Ray Dalio, who has warned that nations which fail to control production, energy and trade infrastructure risk losing economic independence and geopolitical influence.

Robert Bohn, president of Coastal Gateway Port, said Canada’s ports see the consequences of this vulnerability every day. “Canada relies overwhelmingly on foreign-controlled fleets to move its exports and imports,” he said.

“From a port perspective, that dependency exposes us to disruption and external pressure. A Canadian-owned, electrified trading fleet, built with Canadian technology, would allow goods to move under the Canadian flag and safeguard our economic future.”

Advocates say ports are not just gateways for trade, but strategic assets capable of anchoring domestic shipbuilding, clean marine technology and energy infrastructure investment.

Michael Butler, chief executive of Coastal Gateway Port, said British Columbia is uniquely positioned to lead. “BC’s ports, shipyards and Pacific access make it the natural hub for a Canadian-controlled, clean-powered maritime network,” he said.

Coastal Gateway’s Union Bay port development on Vancouver Island is being designed with shore power at every berth, readiness for hybrid and zero-emission ships and flexibility for alternative fuels such as methanol and hydrogen.

Industry observers note that while Canada has invested heavily in naval programs, it lacks a coordinated commercial shipping strategy. Bohn and Butler are urging Ottawa and Victoria to unlock financing and policy support for ports, shipyards, and fleet construction.

“Strong nations control their trade and their energy,” Bohn said. “Ports are where that control begins.”