New green hydrogen facility proposed for Port of Belledune

BELLEDUNE, N.B. – The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) has reached an agreement in principle with Cross River Infrastructure Partners to develop a green hydrogen production facility at the northern New Brunswick port that will help meet provincial, federal and global goals of a transition to a clean energy future.

This development agreement will support the Port of Belledune’s efforts to diversify its business and develop new industries fueled by renewable energy.

Next week, the BPA and Cross River will attend the August 23 German-Canadian Atlantic Renewable Hydrogen Expo in Stephenville, NL. The expo will focus on strengthening Canadian-German collaboration on sustainable hydrogen supply chains.

“We believe the Port of Belledune is the best location in Eastern Canada to establish this innovative green hydrogen production facility,” said Rishi Jain, Managing Director, Cross River Infrastructure Partners. “Belledune is an established year-round port with easy access to the key European Union and North American markets we’re targeting. With most of the required infrastructure already in place, including a critical source of existing clean energy and substantial existing transmission to power our operations, we view this as a significant opportunity for everyone involved.”

Green hydrogen is seen as a long-term solution to replace fossil fuels by many countries around the world including Canada, the United States and Europe. It is a zero-carbon fuel that emits only water when produced by zero-emitting sources of energy. When converted into its ammonia form, the clean hydrogen is dense and stable enough to be shipped long distances. Large-scale, long-term development of commercial hydrogen fuel is being encouraged by trade agreements, policy development and public infrastructure investments around the world.

The Belledune-based project would use 200MW of clean firm power to produce green ammonia fuel for export. Planned expansions would create the capacity to serve both local and global energy needs.

Pending the outcome of feasibility studies, environmental assessments, due diligence and permitting, the hydrogen production facility could come online by 2027.

“As a federal port authority, we welcome the opportunity to support Canada’s efforts to provide sustainable solutions to the world,” said Denis Caron, President and CEO of the Belledune Port Authority. “This agreement is an important step in our port’s plan to foster new investment, enable a transition to green energy and bring greater prosperity to all New Brunswickers.”

Cross River and the Port of Belledune are working closely with federal and provincial governments on the project, along with local Indigenous leaders.

“Pabineau First Nation is pleased to support the Port of Belledune on its journey to create cleaner industry supported by renewable energy in our region. This collaboration is a good first step to realize our potential and I look forward to seeing it develop and create opportunities for Indigenous partnerships, economic development and employment,” commented Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation.

BPA and Cross River are working closely with New Brunswick’s public utility to secure certified clean energy already available on the grid to support the first phase of the project.

“The energy sector is undergoing transformational change and we want to be part of that future,” said Lori Clark, president and CEO of NB Power. “This future includes embracing new technology and this project is an example of that. Our role in this project will be to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to support what is being proposed and look forward to further engagement with the proponents.”

Belledune Port Authority is nearing completion of a new long-term development plan that includes input from industry, community stakeholders and Indigenous rights holders.
The plan calls for diversifying the port’s business and developing a Green Energy Hub to drive economic development in the region and support New Brunswick’s leadership in the global transition to a low-carbon future.

About the Port of Belledune

The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) is a is part of Canada’s Port Authority network. Tasked with managing the infrastructure and assets of the Port of Belledune in Northern New Brunswick (NB), the BPA’s objectives include not only advancing the growth and prosperity of the economy in both Canada and the province of NB, but also fulfilling public policy objectives. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, the Port offers some of the shortest sea shipping routes to Europe. Equipped with four marine terminals, 1,600 acres of industrial-zoned land and world-class modern infrastructure, the Port specializes in the transportation of dry and liquid bulk, as well as breakbulk or project cargo. For more information, visit www.portbelledune.ca.

About Cross River Infrastructure Partners

Cross River Infrastructure Partners LLC is a sustainable infrastructure developer deploying industry-leading climate technologies into clean fuel production, clean power, and carbon capture projects across North America. For more information, visit www.crossriverllc.com.

Contact: Lynn Russell
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO [email protected]
(506) 522-1248

10 Reasons To Do Business at the Port of Belledune

*originally published in January 2021

What makes the Port of Belledune unique? If you ask our employees they will tell you all the reasons they choose to live, work and play in northern New Brunswick. But, if you ask our customers they are quick to point out the business-related attributes that we can boast in Belledune.

In a customer survey conducted by a third party in 2020, an overwhelming majority of customers agreed that the most important attribute in Belledune is that “The Port of Belledune is managed by a world-class terminal operator and stevedore team” where the second most important attribute was “The port has a low level of congestion.” The customers surveyed also gave a score of at least 9/10 in relation to the following Port Attributes and Performance:

  • Infrastructure
  • Turn-around time / speed of transfer
  • Port Changes
  • Land Transportation
  • Being a good partner
  • Overall Efficiency
  • Overall convenience
  • Safety & Security

The region in northern New Brunswick, our First Nations neighbors, and our communities are extremely important to us and are considered in all aspects of port business. Development at the Port means development for the whole region so we decided to elaborate a little bit on the attributes and add a few that reflect the values of our Port community.

Here are 10 Reasons To Do Business at the Port of Belledune:

  1. Infrastructure – We are continuing to invest in the Port infrastructure, driven by the growing needs of our clients. Port clients have consistently ranked the modern infrastructure as one of the reasons they choose to do business at the Port of Belledune.
  2. Being a Good Partner – Relationships are extremely important to us. From our First Nations neighbors, community stakeholders, and customer base we strive to have an inclusive business and political environment conducive to moving things forward.
  3. Ample Storage Space – Port of Belledune customers benefit from the storage facilities that have been built on or next to the terminals. There are many outdoor storage options available on or next to the marine terminals that are suitable for bulk, break-bulk, roll-on roll-off, and project cargo alike.
  4. Room to Grow – We have over 1,000 acres of land for industrial development and transshipment. Our proximity to the St. Lawrence River makes us a great option for transshipment into the Great Lakes.
  5. World Class Terminal Operations – Having partners like QSL allows the Port of Belledune to shine. QSL offers consistent, innovative, and efficient solutions for cargo handling that customers agree are second to none.
  6. Environmental Leadership – We are proud to be Green Marine certified since 2018 which helps us build effective management systems based on sound principles and measures. The Port’s land and marine terminals are surrounded by trees which also act as a natural sound barrier for the community and animals.
  7. Efficiency – Timeliness, safe operations, and speed of turnaround are some of the attributes customers associate with the port. Our terminal operators are extremely efficient and are always finding innovative ways to handle your cargo.
  8. Flexibility – We pride ourselves on our flexibility and ability to work with customers and partners to ensure success for all parties. As an anchor of economic development in Northern New Brunswick our focus to work with and become partners with our customers.
  9. Intermodal Connectivity – Connected by highway systems and CN’s rail network, the Port of Belledune is connected to major markets in North America via land, rail, and sea.
  10. Safety & Security – The Port of Belledune holds the highest standard security rating from Transport Canada and continues to hold an impressive safety & security record with no identified vulnerabilities during its past assessments.

For more information on doing business at the Port of Belledune, contact Jenna & Sylvain

Belledune Port Authority Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Belledune Port Authority reports strong results with $1.6 million net profit for 2021 fiscal year

The Belledune Port Authority continues to be a strong economic contributor to northern New Brunswick, reporting a second consecutive year of profitable operations despite the global supply chain slowdown.

The Port is reporting a $1.6 million net profit for the fiscal year of 2021-2022, supported by revenues of $8.2 million with a return on revenue of 19.8 per cent. Total tonnage handled by the Port in 2021 was 1,837,766 mega tonnes.

“We are very pleased and proud of our financial results this year, which is thanks to the hard work of our team and the many tenants and suppliers who partner with us at the Port,” said President & CEO, Denis Caron. “This strong performance continues our proud history of bringing prosperity to the region.”

The BPA’s financial results were shared publicly this afternoon at the Annual General Meeting, along with highlights from the year’s activities.

The 2021 profits are due in part to a 63 per cent increase in wood pellet and wood chips exported through the BPA’s marine terminals compared to the previous year, making the BPA Atlantic Canada’s top biomass exporter. The Port is supporting efforts to transition away from fossil fuels to biomass, and with its partner QSL – Eastern Division, has constructed a new wood pellet storage facility on the Port’s Terminal 3. With this expansion, the Port and QSL are projecting another increase in exports in 2022.

“All in all, 2021 was a great year and one that laid the foundation for better things to come,” said Chair of the Board of Directors, Hermel Vienneau. “Board colleagues and I are confident that we are on the cusp of major economic development progress at the Port.”

Other highlights from 2021 that the BPA shared include:

The BPA Master Development Plan and Green Energy Hub

The BPA, with help from Hatch Consulting, is finalizing a long-term vision to expand the BPA’s existing capacity while seeking out clean energy projects with the potential to kick off a green economic transition for the region. Stakeholder, public and rights holder engagement is being completed with a final report anticipated for Fall 2022.

First Nations Tripartite Committee for Smelter Decommissioning

Coming together in the spirit of partnership and good faith, the BPA, Pabineau First Nation, and Eel River Bar First Nation have created a tripartite group to actively engage and work with Glencore Canada Ltd. on the current decommissioning of the Brunswick Smelter in Belledune, NB, adjacent to
the Port of Belledune. Grounded in proactive sharing of information and working collaboratively, the Tripartite Committee is actively continuing to move this project forward.

Proactive Underwater Noise Study

The BPA in 2021 undertook a voluntary study to survey and report on underwater noise in the area around the Port and the impact it can potentially have on wildlife. This was a proactive project and will help to assess risks and identify areas to improve. This work falls under the Port’s Green Marine Certification efforts and the results will be reported to stakeholders, rights holders, and the community in 2022.

Terminals 3 and 4 Expansion and Upgrade Project

Work on this important expansion project continued in 2021 the construction of additional cribs to expand the terminals footprint and build a new tug wharf. Rock and fill were moved between Terminals 3 and 4, creating in a safer operating area, and stabilization of a section of Terminal 4 for additional laydown area. As a part of this work, a habitat compensation project was carried out in 2021. Habitat locations were chosen in consultation with First Nations’ fishers and much of the work was carried out by fishers from the surrounding communities and Eel River Bar First Nation. Monitoring of the work will commence in 2023 to assess the success of the habitat locations.

The BPA’s complete financial results are available for viewing by visiting the administration office during normal business hours. Please refer to the BPA’s 2021 Annual Report for the condensed financial statements at https://portbelledune.ca/about-us/reports-accountability.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lynn Russell, Executive Assistant

[email protected]

112, promenade Shannon Drive Belledune, NB E8G 2W2 Canada

Tel./Tél.: 506.522.1248

Report Period: May 2022

22nd Annual General Public Meeting

Notice – Belledune Port Authority Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM will be held virtually on

June 9, 2022 at 1 PM

If you would like to attend, simply register by emailing: [email protected]

Registration is free and will be open to the public until June 3, 2022 at 4 PM.

Details for attending the meeting will be emailed to all registered participants within five days of the AGM.

We hope you can join us for this year’s virtual AGM!

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The 2021 Financial Statements will be available to the public at the following address during normal business hours.

Contact us:

Belledune Port Authority

112 Shannon Drive Belledune, NB Tel: 506-522-1200

The Belledune Port Authority will be holding its 22nd Annual General Public Meeting virtually on June 9th, 2022, at 1:00PM ADT.

If you would like to attend, simply register by emailing: [email protected]

 

Belledune Port Authority invites feedback on long-term green transition plan

The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) is seeking input from the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities on a new development plan focused on environmental and economic sustainability.

“We are rising to the challenge of climate change with a sustainable growth plan that protects our future,” said CEO Denis Caron. “We have a proud history of bringing industry and prosperity to Northern New Brunswick. Despite changes to our local economy, our port remains strong and adaptable. This new development plan is a blueprint for the next 30 years, grounded in regional economic development, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility.”

The Master Development Plan envisions expanding BPA’s marine capacity as a bulk and liquid cargo port while seeking out new, land-based clean technology and renewable energy projects with potential to drive a green economic transition in Northern New Brunswick.

The plan is supported by several studies completed in 2021, including marine and real estate market analysis, regional economic development and port performance studies, a labour assessment and facility inventory.

In the coming weeks, the BPA will host engagement sessions to seek feedback from a wide group of clients, tenants and service providers, community, business and environmental leaders and Indigenous rights holders. The Port has also launched an online survey for members of the public to share their views. The survey will be open until June 10, 2022. Click here to visit the MDP page and link to the survey.

“We’re looking forward to hearing everyone’s perspectives and ideas and learning more about what our community values in the port as we move forward,” said Caron. “Stakeholders and First Nations communities are an important part of this plan, and critical to our success in achieving this vision. We want to ensure we make space to hear what they have to say so we can reflect their values as we move forward.”

The MDP will be finalized in the summer of 2022.

INVITATION TO TENDER – BPA TANK NO. 3 MAINTENANCE

Virtual Information Session – Future Business Opportunities at the Port of Belledune

The Belledune Port Authority invites all interested contractors, suppliers and service providers to an information session which will outline upcoming business opportunities associated with future capital works at the Port of Belledune.

The virtual information session will be held on January 21, 2022 at 2:00PM AST.

If you would like to attend, simply register by emailing:

[email protected]

Registration is free and will be open to the public until January 19, 2022 at 4:00PM AST.

Details for attending the information session will be emailed to all registered participants within 1 day of the session.

We hope you can join us for this information session!

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Contact us:

Belledune Port Authority 112 Shannon Drive Belledune (N.B.) Tél.: 506-522-1200