Environmental

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia—February 21, 2023 — Global Spatial Technology Solutions  (“GSTS” or “the Company”), a Maritime Intelligence company today announced that it will collaborate with the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) in providing a Green Shipping Corridor capability using the OCIANA^TM platform. The Green Shipping Corridor capability enables vessels to establish an initially low and ultimately zero-carbon emissions route while matching their arrival with berth availability and maintaining compliance.   
 
“We are extremely pleased to be working with the Montreal Port Authority on this initiative. As an original OCIANA^TM consortium member, MPA has proven to be a leader in Innovation and Environmental stewardship. OCIANA^TM has been designed collaboratively with ports, shipping lines and terminal operators to improve efficiency, minimize risk and reduce emissions on a global scale”, said Richard Kolacz, GSTS CEO. “This proprietary capability will enhance end-to- end logistics management and enable the optimization of goods delivered by sea, which accounts for 90% of global trade.” 
 
OCIANA^TM is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that provides maritime vessel and port optimization and maritime risk management solutions for the global maritime market. The AI platform ingests a wide range of operational and oceanographic data sets and through proprietary analysis, supports decision making related to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on all of the world’s waterways. 
 
“The Port of Montreal is committed to emission reductions and optimizing efficiency for all vessels arriving to Montreal. We have been working with GSTS to ensure that the capabilities they develop meet the needs and objectives of ports and shipping lines”, stated Martin Imbleau, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with GSTS to showcase their innovation in the maritime sector as we continue to lead innovation and environmental initiatives at the port.” 
 
About GSTS
GSTS is a leader in Artificial Intelligence solutions for the maritime domain. Our solutions are designed to save lives, energy, and the environment on a global scale through the use of innovative applications based on emerging data sets and analytics. We provide decision support intelligence to optimize logistics and manage risk and compliance in the maritime sector. For more information, visit www.gsts.ca.

Quick Facts

Minister of Transport announces Canadian Green Shipping Corridors Framework and Canada joining the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission - Canada.ca

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BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have developed a guide which aims to help the shipping industry understand and reduce underwater radiated noise from ships and help the industry implement the underwater noise guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The attention on underwater radiated noise from ships has significantly increased over the last few years and the demand for action has risen due to its negative effects on marine creatures and the environment.

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Announcement that proposed regulations amending the oil spill preparedness requirements for Transport Canada-certified response organizations and oil handling facility operators were pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on June 22, 2024. The draft Regulations Amending and Repealing Certain Regulations Made under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (Environmental Response) build on comments received during discussions and in response to the discussion paper considering changes to the oil spill preparedness requirements that was posted on the Transport Canada’s Consultation website from December 2023 to February 2024.

Comments on the proposed changes may be submitted through the Canada Gazette website until September 5, 2024, at this link. For more information on how to submit your comments, please see: “How to Comment on Proposed Regulations”.  

Future newbuild ships of all types should be built without a sterntube and with a seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearing arrangement, according to Blue Ocean Alliance’s Chris Leontopoulos.

Speaking at a recent maritime industry forum in Hamburg, Mr. Leontopoulos said the sterntubeless ship design – jointly developed by Blue Ocean Alliance members ABS, Thordon Bearings, Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), Wärtsilä, and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) – is so commercially, operationally and environmentally attractive that “I personally hope that in the future all ships are built like this”.

Kick-starting his presentation with the startling statistic that more than eight million litres of sterntube lubricating oil is polluting the oceans annually, Mr. Leontopoulos, ABS’ Vice President, Technology, EMEA, said the design interventions proposed by the group can deliver a commercially and environmentally optimal vessel capable of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in operational costs. This, without changing hull lines or existing class rules and regulations.

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This project by the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA), VARD Marine, and Clear Seas with support from Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre, investigated the feasibility, benefits, and risks of the use of natural gas to replace some or all of the current diesel and heavy fuel oil used in the Canadian Arctic.

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One of the main ways that harmful aquatic invasive species arrive, or spread, in Canadian waters is from vessel hull biofouling. In-water cleaning of vessel hulls can be an effective and important means to manage biofouling, provided it is conducted properly. At the last CMAC Environmental Standing Committee meeting, Transport Canada indicated it would soon launch consultations on a voluntary guidance regarding in-water cleaning of vessels of over 24 metres in length. This guidance is part of Transport Canada’s ongoing work to protect the Canadian marine environment from maritime activities.

This draft guidance is now available for review, and you are invited to share your views here: Let’s Talk Transportation. Public consultations will remain open until August 2^nd, 2021. 

Questions about the draft voluntary guidance can also be directed to biofouling-encrassementbiologique@tc.gc.ca.

Global Spatial Technology Solutions ("GSTS" or "the Company") an Artificial Intelligence and Maritime Analytics company announced today that the Ports of Halifax and New York & New Jersey as well as the Laurentian Pilotage Authority have joined the OCIANA™ Consortium, expanding the consortium to eight members. The consortium was established under the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) program. The objectives of SDTC are to support the development and demonstration of new environmental technologies that address climate change, clean air, clean water, and clean soil.  

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