Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, and Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, have announced an investment of $244,620 in Océan Remorquage Québec Inc, a subsidiary of Ocean Group.

The funds will be used to set up a pilot project aimed at acquiring data on the energy management of tugs. The aim is to develop a management method based on artificial intelligence and the use of an alternative fuel.

The project will generate oil savings through improved management of fuel consumption. All in all, it aims to reduce GHG emissions by 1,321 tonnes/year, the equivalent of taking nearly 300 cars off the road each year.

Key facts

– The project is financially supported by the Programme en efficacité du transport maritime, aérien et ferroviaire (PETMAF), which itself stems from the Plan for a Green Economy 2030. The financial assistance corresponds to 60% of the total cost of the project, which is estimated at $407,700.

– The PETMAF aims to reduce or avoid GHG emissions generated by maritime, air and rail transport by improving the energy efficiency of related transport services, using more resilient and high-performance transport equipment and materials, and using energy sources that emit fewer GHGs, with an emphasis on electrification.

– Since 2018, $17.76 million has been invested in the programme. This sum has supported 32 projects aimed at reducing or avoiding GHG emissions generated by maritime, air and rail transport.

– The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable is responsible for implementing the “Increase the use of renewable energy and efficiency in the transportation of goods” measure in the 2030 Green Economy Plan.

– Océan Remorquage Québec inc. has been offering a personalised port towing service for over 50 years. The company helps small to very large vessels dock and undock safely.

(Photo from Ocean Group)