Cleantech Forward: Decarbonizing BC’s Ports and Shipping

Decarbonizing BC’s Ports and Shipping

Maritime shipping moves over 80% of the world’s goods—and contributes nearly 3% of global carbon emissions. But decarbonizing a system that runs 24/7 across oceans is no easy task, especially when clean energy infrastructure is scarce at sea.

On this episode of Cleantech Forward, we’re exploring how decarbonizing ports and shipping in British Columbia isn’t just a challenge––it’s a major opportunity for our province and our country to lead in clean fuels, sustainable infrastructure, and global collaboration. Host Jeanette Jackson chats with Juvarya Veltkamp from C40’s Green Ports Forum, and Robin Silvester, former CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, about BC’s role in shaping a cleaner shipping future. 

From shore-powered cruise ships to battery-electric tugboats and international green shipping corridors, discover how BC’s ports are becoming launchpads for innovation—and what it’ll take to cut emissions at scale.

About the Guests

Juvarya Veltkamp

 

Juvarya Veltkamp is a recognized leader in climate strategy and impact, specializing in market transformation and global collaboration to accelerate investment in sustainable cities and ports. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning real estate, local government, social enterprise, and impact investment, Juvarya has driven large-scale green economic development initiatives and policy innovation. She led Vancouver’s green economy strategy for a decade, helped launch British Columbia’s $500-million public impact fund at InBC, and advanced climate governance through the Canada Climate Law Initiative at the University of British Columbia.

Currently, Juvarya leads C40’s Green Ports Forum––a global alliance of ports and cities collaborating to decarbonize supply chains and promote sustainable trade. She also advises Realize Capital Partners and volunteers on the leadership team for Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate.

Robin Silvester

Robin Silvester is a board member and advisor focusing on infrastructure, the supply chain, and energy transition. He was CEO of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority from 2009 to 2023. During this time Robin led the port through a period of unprecedented growth both in investment and in cargo handled. This helped drive more than 40% growth in international trade through Canada’s largest trade gateway. 

The port authority also set, and actively advanced, a vision to make the Port of Vancouver the world’s most sustainable port–– a port that is a global leader at delivering economic prosperity through trade, protecting the environment, and enabling thriving local communities. This included establishing internationally recognized environmental programmes and achieving ground-breaking agreements with multiple First Nations in south-western BC. 

About Foresight Canada

​​Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada's largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, we connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges. 

We don’t just accelerate innovation. We are innovation. From humble roots in Vancouver, Canada, Foresight has rapidly scaled into a national, globally connected non-profit, driving the adoption of sustainable innovation in major industries worldwide, working with 200+ industry partners and actively engaging with 145+ federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and Indigenous rights holders.

Since 2013, Foresight has supported 1580+ ventures, 150+ industry partners, and 300+ investor firms to deploy $2.31B in capital, achieve $570M in revenues, and create 9,430+ high-paying jobs. Our domestic and international engagement includes working in collaboration with 2,000+ rights holders and partners. 

In the world we’re building, sustainability isn't a buzzword. It’s a fundamental driver of economic growth and prosperity, for people and planet. Find out how we’re redefining acceleration at foresightcac.com, and join the conversation on LinkedIn.

Credits

Host: Jean