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Press Release: New shipping report underscores inevitability of underwater noise regulations, aligned with IMO climate and biodiversity targets
Press release: Ahead of the IMO’s 2026-2027 review of energy efficiency measures and reduction targets, Equal Routes urges action with a new report, Charting the Course to a Quiet Ocean.
Charting the Course to a Quiet Ocean
Underwater noise levels are rising—yet the shipping sector’s contributions remain under-prioritized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global regulator for international shipping. Ahead of the IMO’s 2026-2027 review of energy efficiency measures and reduction targets, Equal Routes urges action with a new report, Charting the Course to a Quiet Ocean
PPR 13/5/13: Biofouling at the intersection of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss
Biofouling at the intersection of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss: A submission for the 13th Session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response at the International Maritime Organization
Just and Equitable Transition in the South Pacific
An interview with John Taukäve on sound, shipping, and oceanic leadership. John is a Rotuman and Fijian artist, researcher and advocate, whose work bridges culture and climate leadership. He works as a cultural ambassador and technical advisor for Pacific delegations at the International Maritime Organization. John brings lived experiences of Pacific Island communities, descendants of the world’s most advanced ocean voyagers, into IMO negotiations. This dialogue expands on John’s contribution to the Just Energy Transition (JET) case study featured in Equal Routes’ forthcoming report, Charting the Course to a Quiet Ocean: Stakeholder Insights on Reducing Underwater Radiated Noise.
Port of Churchill offers a chance for an Arctic shipping green corridor
Churchill has the potential to chart an ambitious path for Canada: one that prioritizes people and biodiversity over the economic gain of a few, showing how trade and shipping can be structured around local communities, wildlife, and the environment.
Danish Example Shows Canadian Ships Can Sail Without Ocean-Polluting Scrubbers
Canada has the opportunity to follow Denmark’s decision to ban the discharge of waste from scrubbers– devices installed on board ships to cut air pollution, and from which toxic effluent is dumped into the marine environment.
NGOs Welcome IMO Progress for Cutting Shipping’s Climate Impact Despite Net-Zero Framework Delay
As the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 20) wraps up in London, the Clean Shipping Coalition (CSC) commends Member States for overcoming last week’s setback and advancing preparations to adopt the Net Zero Framework.
Environmental groups urge Canada to lead after IMO delays vote on shipping emissions
Adjournment of discussions on adoption of Net-Zero Framework at the International Maritime Organization highlights critical need for Canadian leadership
Op-Ed: From BC to the Arctic, Canada must ban scrubber discharge everywhere
Transport Canada's announcement of a new approach to protecting BC's endangered southern resident killer whale population may signal a ban on the dumping of scrubber wastewater in coastal waters, but without expanding the ban along all of Canada's coasts, it likely will just push the problem into waters elsewhere.
A Study of the Potential Impacts of LNG Development on Marine Mammals in the Gulf of California
In the Gulf of California, projected increases in LNG tanker traffic could affect regional air quality, underwater noise levels, and marine mammal populations—particularly whales.
Un estudio sobre los impactos potenciales del GNL en los mamíferos marinos en el Golfo de California
El estudio modela cómo el aumento del tráfico de buques metaneros podría afectar la calidad del aire regional, los niveles de ruido submarino y a las poblaciones de mamíferos marinos—particularmente ballenas—en el Golfo de California
Op-Ed: Methane-fuelled Tanker Traffic to Soar This Summer
350 LNG tankers are expected to visit LNG Canada's marine terminal annually, which translates to 700 transits a year in the region.
Report: Explosive Truths: The perils and the catastrophic potential of LNG
Liquefied “natural” gas (LNG), while often promoted as a clean alternative to coal, presents significant safety and environmental challenges. This report prepared by Equal Routes for Greenpeace Germany highlights the safety issues of LNG operations, including a history of accidents, insufficient safety protocols, and growing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions. This work underscores the urgent need to move away from LNG and invest in renewable energy sources.
Canada sets course with draft Ocean Noise Strategy – risks drifting if clear targets aren’t set
Noise from industrial activities including shipping, energy exploration, and offshore construction are impacting marine life globally, as well as the communities who depend on it.
An IMO Debut: “Shipping Nexus” Solutions for Climate, Biodiversity and Pollution
The co-sponsors of MEPC82/7/10 call for a new framework – one that elevates biodiversity and pollution concerns to the same level of urgency as climate actions.
Efficiency may be the one-size-fits-all solution for marine shipping
Our latest piece in the National Observer shows how reforming the International Maritime Organization Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) can incentivize shipping efficiency and help solve the triple planetary crisis of climate, pollution, and biodiversity. Just a 10% reduction in the speed of the global fleet could reduce GHG emissions by 13%, underwater noise by 40%, and the risk of whale strikes by 50%.
Equal Routes Turns One
Corporations Canada is telling us we have to file our yearly non profit status report on June 20 2024, so we’ll use that date as our ONE YEAR anniversary! Hurray for us!
Heavy Fuel Oil Ban Coming to Parts of Inuit Nunangat July 1
A ban on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for marine ships in Inuit Nunangat—with the exception of Nunatsiavut and parts of Nunavik—comes into effect on July 1.
