Leaders of New Brunswick’s two primary port authorities pursue expanded connections with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest port, after a recent trade mission.

Trade Mission to Belgium and France

Premier Susan Holt spearheaded a delegation to Belgium and France to enhance port-to-port collaboration among the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port Saint John, and 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

Port of Belledune CEO Denis Caron highlights that European traffic constitutes about 90 percent of the northern terminal’s operations. “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 signed a memorandum of understanding with Antwerp-Bruges last May to establish a fuel supply chain, emphasizing hydrogen and its derivatives. “We currently export biomass or wood pellets to the U.K.,” Caron notes. “We’re one of the largest exporters… but looking to get into green hydrogen, methanol, and other types of energy sources.”

Belledune has secured MOUs with three additional European ports since September 2022.

Port Saint John’s Existing Links

Port Saint John CEO Craig Estabrooks indicates the mission bolsters current services with Antwerp-Bruges. “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,” he explains.

Premier Holt’s Strategic Role

Holt describes her involvement as elevating commitment levels. “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. “For me, being there was helpful to get the meetings that we wanted with both the carriers like CMA-CGM for Port Saint John, for financers like Crédit Agricole for Port of Belledune.”

She recently participated in 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 asserts.