The prospects for increased Canadian Asia Pacific energy trade are on the horizon.  Canada is both a maritime state and an energy trade dependent state and in both of these capacities, it is experiencing shifting tailwinds. In particular, the continental energy exports moved by pipeline sent south over land to the United States – are being reassessed as Canada now looks across the Pacific Ocean for new export market opportunities. Most notably tankers are already getting caught in the cross-currents of changing U.S. oil flows. One can only speculate on the impact on shipping freight markets and company operations if crude oil supply from Canada’s Pacific coast becomes available in greater volumes.

In this Canadian Naval Review article authors, Darryl Anderson and Joe Spears focus on Canada’s growing marine transportation energy exports to the Asia Pacific Basin.

The Navy and Canadian Asia Pacific Energy Trade

The Asia Pacific Basin is not only of growing economic importance but is also an area in which there are tensions based on overlapping maritime claims that can impact sea-lanes. This means that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will undoubtedly see increasing service there, and sea power and a flexible and adaptable approach will become increasing important as Canada’s energy exports increase in the region. The Navy must adjust to new threats and dynamics caused by these new economic activities. A maritime component must become an integral element of Canada’s Asian energy policy. In the coming decades, the export of energy by marine transportation from Canada to the Indo-Pacific region will have important implications. Technological innovation has resulted in significant new sources of supply and who is best positioned to meet the demands.