New Brunswick seeks more links with Europe’s second largest port

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has returned from a trade mission in Europe.

The CEOs of New Brunswick’s two major port authorities say a recent trade mission to Europe will hopefully drum up more connections to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the second largest port in Europe.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt led a trade mission to Belgium and France last week with the aim of strengthening port-to-port co-operation between Antwerp-Bruges, Port Saint John and the Port of Belledune.

The premier was joined by the CEOs of both ports, as well as representatives from Opportunities NB and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Port of Belledune CEO Denis Caron says European traffic makes up about 90 per cent of activity at the northern New Brunswick terminal.

“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,” says Caron.

The Port of Belledune signed a memorandum of understanding last May with the Port of Antwerp-Brgues to set up a supply chain for fuel, focusing on hydrogen and its derivatives.

“We currently export biomass or wood pellets to the U.K.,” says Caron. “We’re one of the largest exporters… but looking to get into green hydrogen, methanal, and other types of energy sources.”

The Port of Belledune has signed MOUs with three other European ports since September 2022.

Port Saint John CEO Craig Estabrooks says the trade mission will help to strengthen services that already exist with Antwerp-Bruges.

“Today, two of our services that are trans-Atlantic, part of the Gemini cooperation between Hapag-Llyod 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.”

Holt says her role during the trade mission was to show the province’s seriousness in striking new deals.

“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,” says Holt. “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.”

Holt was part of a trade delegation in India last month, 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,” says Holt.

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