Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Fednav Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore strengthening Canada’s Arctic trade corridor through the Port of Churchill.
This collaboration announced on August 22 will rely on Fednav’s deep expertise in Arctic marine operations and AGG’s established trade and transportation infrastructure. Informed by AGG’s commitment to Indigenous and northern economic development, this MOU will focus on the evaluation of a sustainable, commercially supported 12-month shipping season through the Port of Churchill.
The agreement sets the stage for the two organizations to explore the expansion of trade-enabling infrastructure at the Port of Churchill.
“This partnership could be a game-changer for the Port of Churchill and Canada’s Arctic trade ambitions,” said Chris Avery, CEO, Arctic Gateway Group. Fednav’s long-standing leadership in marine operations complements our commitment to strengthening Churchill’s already established position as a northern trade gateway. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a new era of year-round shipping that reflects northern priorities, the Canadian national interest, and the global demand for Canadian resources.”
Paul Pathy, Fednav’s President and CEO, declared: “Fednav is pleased to partner with Arctic Gateway to explore this ambitious and forward-looking vision for the Port of Churchill. We see tremendous potential in combining our marine and logistics expertise with AGG’s unique ownership model and regional leadership, further establishing Churchill as the key to unlock sustainable growth in the North.”
A joint working group will lead this work, with a strong focus on innovation, commercial sustainability, and the shared commitment to Indigenous and Northern economic reconciliation. All initiatives stemming from this partnership will reflect Arctic Gateway Group’s mandate to ensure northern and Indigenous communities are full participants in, and beneficiaries of, economic development.
“The need for reliable, year-round shipping through Hudson Bay has never been greater,” added Mr. Avery. “A sustained Arctic shipping route would provide Western Canada’s vast resource sectors, including energy, agriculture, and critical minerals, with consistent access to global markets. The Port of Churchill stands uniquely positioned to fulfill this national need, with established rail and port infrastructure, and capabilities to ship Canadian resources to world markets through Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor.”
This work comes as Arctic Gateway Group continues to scale up operations at the Port of Churchill and along the Hudson Bay Railway. The company has tripled the size of its critical mineral storage capacity at the port and increased freight volumes along the Hudson Bay Railway.
(Photos of Port of Churchill and Fednav icebreaking bulk carrier in Arctic service)