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 spearheaded a trade delegation to Belgium and France last week to foster port-to-port collaboration among the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port Saint John, and the Port of Belledune. She traveled with the CEOs of both 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 New Brunswick terminal’s activity. “We visited Europe in November, including the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and invited Port Saint John and the province to join,” Caron states.
The Port of Belledune signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges last May to develop a supply chain for fuel, emphasizing hydrogen and its derivatives. “We export biomass and wood pellets to the U.K., positioning us as one of the largest exporters, and now target green hydrogen, methanol, and other energy sources,” Caron adds. Since September 2022, the port has inked similar agreements with three additional European ports.
Port Saint John’s Existing Links
Craig Estabrooks, CEO of Port Saint John, highlights how the mission reinforces current operations with Antwerp-Bruges. “Two trans-Atlantic services under the Gemini cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk call at Antwerp. DP World, our terminal operator in Saint John since 2017, also manages a major container terminal there,” Estabrooks explains.
Premier Holt’s Strategic Role
Holt emphasizes her presence added weight to negotiations. “I bring senior-level commitment to advance deals for our port teams to finalize,” she says. The mission secured key meetings, including with carriers like CMA-CGM for Port Saint John and financiers such as Crédit Agricole for Port of Belledune.
Holt recently joined Prime Minister Mark Carney on a trade delegation to India. “We must capitalize on current interest to lock in customers before they shift to the U.S. or revert to old patterns,” Holt urges.
