New Brunswick’s major port authorities aim to expand connections with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port, following a recent trade mission to Europe.
Trade Mission to Belgium and France
Premier Susan Holt leads a delegation to Belgium and France, focusing on enhancing port-to-port collaboration among the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port Saint John, and the Port of Belledune. The group includes CEOs from both New Brunswick ports, along with representatives from Opportunities NB and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Port of Belledune’s European Focus
Denis Caron, CEO of the Port of Belledune, notes that European traffic accounts for about 90 percent of the northern terminal’s activity. “We were (in Europe) back in November and at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in particular, when we suggested to those folks that we invite Port Saint John and the province of New Brunswick to participate,” Caron states.
The Port of Belledune signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges last May to establish a supply chain for fuel, emphasizing hydrogen and its derivatives. Caron adds, “We currently export biomass or wood pellets to the U.K. We’re one of the largest exporters… but looking to get into green hydrogen, methanol, and other types of energy sources.”
Since September 2022, the Port of Belledune has secured MOUs with three additional European ports.
Port Saint John’s Existing Links
Craig Estabrooks, CEO of Port Saint John, highlights how the mission builds on current trans-Atlantic services. “Today, two of our services that are trans-Atlantic, part of the Gemini cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk actually call on the Port of Antwerp. And DP World, who is our terminal operator here in Saint John since 2017, operates one of the larger container terminals in Antwerp as part of their bigger gateway. So we’ve already got that natural connection,” Estabrooks explains.
Premier Holt’s Strategic Role
Holt emphasizes her presence adds weight to negotiations. “I get to come along to add more senior people into the meeting and add some heft to the sign of our commitment, and to advance the deals to the next stage for our port teams to pick up and get across the finish line,” she says.
The mission facilitates key meetings with carriers like CMA CGM for Port Saint John and financiers such as Crédit Agricole for the Port of Belledune. Holt recently joined a trade delegation to India led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. “We want to strike while the iron is hot, while the interest is there and secure customers before they turn back to the U.S. or get back into their old habits,” Holt adds.
