Canadian Maritime Leaders Call for National Fleet and Clean Electrification Strategy Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Video: https://youtu.be/6pIwzv3_hWM

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Maritime leaders from Canada’s West Coast are urging federal and provincial governments to explore the creation of a Canadian-owned commercial trading fleet and a clean, electrified shipbuilding strategy, citing growing concerns over supply chain security, energy sovereignty, and global trade instability.

Their appeal draws on the work of global economist Ray Dalio, who has written extensively about how nations preserve power through control of production, energy, and trade systems. Dalio warns that countries overly reliant on foreign fleets or imported energy risk losing economic independence and geopolitical influence.

Robert Bohn, President of Coastal Gateway Port Ltd., said the message for Canada is clear.

“Canada relies overwhelmingly on foreign-controlled fleets to move its exports and imports,” said Bohn. “That dependency exposes us to disruption and external pressure. A Canadian-owned, electrified trading fleet—built with Canadian technology—would allow our goods to move under the Canadian flag and safeguard our economic future.”

The proposal would strengthen national trade control while driving investment in domestic shipbuilding, green marine technology, and clean energy infrastructure.

Michael Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Gateway Port, said British Columbia is uniquely positioned to lead such an initiative.

“B.C.’s ports, shipyards, and Pacific access make it the natural hub for a Canadian-controlled, clean-powered maritime network,” Butler said. “We are exploring technology pathways that combine General Dynamics Electric Boat’s advanced electrification and modular shipbuilding expertise with CANDU-derived clean energy systems for port microgrids and vessel charging. Together, they offer a blueprint for maritime and energy sovereignty.”

Coastal Gateway’s Union Bay development on Vancouver Island is already being designed around these principles, including shore power at every berth, readiness for hybrid and zero-emission vessels, and alternative fuel flexibility for methanol and hydrogen.

Industry observers note that while Canada has made major naval investments, it lacks a coordinated commercial shipping and financing strategy to ensure domestic fleet ownership and logistics resilience.

Bohn and Butler are urging Ottawa and Victoria to unlock banking capital and policy support for Canadian shipyards, fleet construction, and clean port electrification.

“Strong nations control their trade and their energy,” Bohn added. “Canada has the capability—now we need the commitment.”