Ports of Belledune and Antwerp-Bruges sign agreement to accelerate green energy trade
- Rick Hutchinson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Rotterdam, The Netherlands - The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to work together to set up a supply chain for clean fuels and green manufacturing goods, with the priority focused on hydrogen and its derivates.
Denis Caron, President and CEO of the BPA, and Tom Hautekiet, Chief Business Development & Transition Officer at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, signed this agreement today at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
‘’The signing of this agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening our supply chain capabilities and our development. By formalizing this agreement, we are securing a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready approach to cleaner industrial development at the BPA. We look forward to the shared success of this partnership, said Denis Caron, CEO of the BPA.”
Kristof Waterschoot, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, added:
“The development of a hydrogen economy and new sustainable industries is a collective effort involving many stakeholders—public and private, producers and off-takers, importers and exporters. The hydrogen value chain spans multiple continents. This agreement represents a meaningful step toward achieving our shared goals in sustainable innovation and building a better future for both our countries.”
The signing of this agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening our supply chain and the development of the Port of Belledune.
This is the fourth (4) agreement focused on collaboration between the Belledune Port Authority and major ports in Europe – Previous MOUs include:
Port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany – September 2022
Port of Hamburg, Germany – October 2022
Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands – May 2023
Green energy was identified as a key opportunity in the Port of Belledune’s 2022 Master Development Plan, which was developed in anticipation of federal regulations banning the import of coal after 2030. In response, the BPA is transforming its operations and cargo mix to support emerging technologies and industries focused on clean energy production. Central to this transformation is the Green Energy Hub — a renewable energy and green industry development district located on land owned and managed by the BPA.
Development at the Port of Belledune will focus on producing green hydrogen for both domestic consumption and export to Europe. Recognized as a key pillar in New Brunswick’s Energy Strategy and highlighted in the federal government’s 2024 Hydrogen Strategy update, this development — along with similar clean energy projects — has the potential to position Canada as a leader in the green and clean energy global transition.
About the Port of Belledune
The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) 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 break bulk or project cargo.
About the Port of Antwerp-Bruges
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of Europe’s leading seaports and a key global gateway for international trade, logistics, and sustainable industry. Formed by the unification of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, the port combines world-class connectivity with advanced infrastructure, offering seamless multimodal access via sea, rail, road, and inland waterways. With a strong focus on innovation and climate leadership, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges plays a critical role in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy.
Port area: over 13,500 hectares
Annual cargo throughput: approximately 287 million tonnes
Vessel traffic: over 15,000 seagoing vessels and 57,000 inland vessels annually
For more information, visit www.portofantwerpbruges.com
For media inquiries:
Julie Pinette
Senior Administrative Advisor
Phone: 506-522-1200
Email: info@portbelledune.ca
Port of Antwerp-Bruges press service
Phone: +32 492 15 41 39