Greening initiatives
At the Canadian Coast Guard, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. We are making our operations and our vessels more environmentally friendly.
Our innovative green initiatives support the Government of Canada in reaching its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
We collaborate with Canadian green industries and international partners to achieve our environmental goals.
Greener vessel operations
Our vessels use a lot of fuel, especially when icebreaking. Replacing conventional fossil fuels with renewable biofuels dramatically reduces our net greenhouse gas emissions. Our ongoing shift towards renewable fuels makes us a decarbonization leader in Canada.
Decarbonization is the process of stopping or reducing carbon gases being released into the atmosphere through processes like the burning of fossil fuels.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel trials
Our fleet is moving towards biofuels, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel.
We are already proving that we can power our fleet with biofuels. The CCGS Caribou Isle successfully tested using 100% biodiesel. Similarly, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a novel biofuel blend of:
- 10% biodiesel
- 40% renewable diesel
- 50% conventional diesel
These trials have confirmed that biofuels can be used without adverse effects on vessel performance.
The increased use of low carbon fuels is a key part of our net zero emissions strategy.
First diesel-electric hybrid vessel
We are ordering the construction of a new near-shore fishery research vessel. This ship will have:
- diesel-electric hybrid propulsion
- battery energy storage
- biofuel compatibility
It will be the first ship of its kind for the Canadian Coast Guard.
Ecological vessel wastewater treatment systems
Working with industry, we helped to develop and test 3 types of ecological wastewater treatment systems for our large vessels. They are for treating:
- greywater
- oily water
- blackwater (sewage)
The new systems don’t require disposable filters used in traditional systems. We continue to test these innovative systems aboard the CCGS Earl Grey and the CCGS Terry Fox. We hope this will lead to outfitting our whole fleet.
Pursuing innovative green technologies
We are working with industry and Innovative Solutions Canada on developing new green solutions.
Testing new technologies
Our marine engineers test innovative green technologies in our operational settings. They provide feedback to our industry partners and Innovative Solutions Canada. The innovators will use this feedback to try to mass produce their new products.
For example, we are testing an all-electric rigid inflatable boat, created using Canadian technology. We use this type of small vessel in marine search and rescue operations. The results of our rigorous testing will help industry ensure that the technology is safe and effective.
Integrating smart technology
Smart technologies help us save energy and make our services more reliable and efficient. For example, we use remote technology to assess the location of buoys, instead of inspecting them by going alongside with a vessel.
We are also increasingly using autonomous systems for surveying and response operations. This reduces our use of helicopters and air-cushioned vessels.
Harvesting ocean kinetic energy
We are helping to develop devices that harvest kinetic energy. These state-of-the-art devices will produce clean energy from the natural motion of vessels and buoys.
Recently our partner innovators built and tested functional models. They are now working to refine and commercialize these technologies.
Future energy solutions pilot project
We are also testing renewable and hybrid power generation systems at our remote marine radio communications sites. These sites support our Marine Communications and Traffic Service.
The goal is to gradually replace the diesel generators at over 40 installations across the West Coast. They will be replaced with renewable energy solutions. The new systems will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from operating and transporting fuel to these critical sites.
Further reducing our environmental impact
We are also committed to reducing our environmental impact from other aspects of our operations, where possible. For example, our new buildings are constructed to be as energy efficient as possible.
We are testing innovative solutions to offset emissions where alternative options are not currently available.
Reducing waste
Reducing waste also has a positive impact on lowering our environmental impact.
There are over 8,500 plastic buoys being used to help make Canada’s waterways safe. Although the buoys are recyclable, the current recycling process is labour intensive. We are working with industry to ensure new plastic buoys are made so their parts can be easily recycled or reused.
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