Title: B.C. Faces Challenge of Aging Vessels Disposal

British Columbia is grappling with the issue of what to do with its aging fleet of vessels as it seeks to enhance domestic shipbuilding. This comes after B.C. Ferries awarded a significant contract to a shipyard in China. The province is now considering the fate of approximately 900 aging vessels operating in its waters, nearly 100 of which weigh over 500 tons and will require scrapping and recycling in the next decade.

Alex Rueben, executive director of the Association of B.C. Marine Industries, emphasized the importance of a circular economy. "We can build ships, but we also have to get rid of them," he stated. There are growing concerns about the environmental risks posed by these aging vessels, including potential fuel leaks and exposure to toxic materials.

Organizations such as the navy, the coast guard, Seaspan, and B.C. Ferries are all facing the challenge of disposing of their outdated vessels. Rueben noted, "The navy, the coast guard, Seaspan, B.C. Ferries, they’ve all got vessels that need to be disposed of."

A working group, led by NDP MP Gord Johns and MLA Josie Osborne, is focusing on Port Alberni as a potential site for ship dismantling and recycling. Johns described the Alberni Valley as uniquely positioned to attract the necessary infrastructure and investment for such facilities. He referred to the project as a potential "nation-building" initiative for the federal government.

Port Alberni has available industrial land on its waterfront, especially following the closure of a local sawmill. The port authority is interested in redevelopment opportunities. Brodie Guy, the working group’s facilitator, acknowledged that while the area is not a complete "blank slate," it offers a chance to develop within a federally regulated port environment.

The group has garnered interest from the City of Port Alberni and the Port Alberni Port Authority, as well as potential users like B.C. Ferries and Seaspan. This summer, B.C. Ferries contracted Marine Recycling Corp. to dismantle two retired ships at the Esquimalt Graving Dock on Vancouver Island. However, this facility is heavily utilized for repairs and is costly for recycling purposes.

B.C. Ferries supports the establishment of a dedicated recycling facility, stating it wants to contribute to responsible vessel disposal. Spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow said, "Choosing a made-in-B.C. solution also helps build long-term recycling capacity that supports local jobs, protects the environment and strengthens the resilience of our coastal economy."

The ferry service has up to 14 ships that will need disposal, particularly as it begins replacing older vessels with new ones being built in China. Johns is advocating for the federal government to implement stricter ship recycling standards, similar to those in the European Union. He believes this is essential for gaining community support, especially from First Nations.

The industry faced backlash over the operations of Deep Water Recovery Ltd. in Union Bay, which was criticized for its environmental practices. The company had its provincial lease canceled following public complaints and pollution charges. Deep Water Recovery is currently appealing these orders.

Johns stressed the need for federal regulations to ensure safe and responsible dismantling practices. He noted, "We’ve got to get the federal government to create these standards and guidelines and regulations to ensure that communities are going to do it in a safe, responsible way and to get the First Nations and local government on board."

First Nations around Port Alberni have expressed interest in being involved in the discussions. Ken Watts, elected chief of the Tseshaht First Nation, stated, "Our First Nation doesn’t object to it at this time. But we have to find out the information, understand the industry a lot better."

Watts emphasized the need for the project to adhere to high environmental standards, stating, "It actually needs to exceed standards." He acknowledged the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the process, highlighting the necessity for free, prior, and informed consent. Depending on the outcome of consultations, he suggested that First Nations could potentially become partners in such projects.