Hwy H2O, the marketing initiative led by the Canadian and U.S. Seaway Corporations, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Seaports of Niedersachsen (SON) while visiting the Port of Brake during their delegation trip through Niedersachsen and Bremen last month.

The agreement establishes a marketing alliance between the two groups to foster collaborative opportunities between the German region and the Seaway System. The agreement was signed (see photo) by Rebecca Yackley, Director, Office of Trade & Economic Development, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation on behalf of Hwy H2O and by Felix Jahn, Managing Director of the Seaports of Niedersachsen.

“For years we have realized a strong relationship with Northern European ports and the Seaway”, noted Yackley. “This serves to energize these relationships and seek ways where we can work together in the future.”

Central to the discussion and drafting of the memorandum was a focus on increasing tonnage and vessel calls, and helping to develop emerging cargo sectors in the Trans-Atlantic trade.

The memorandum also recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability, SON and Hwy H2O remain committed on environmental initiatives that continue to reduce carbon emissions in the seaborn trade, and share insight into research and development projects that support the Seaway’s environmental benchmarks and goals.

There is a history of the relationship between the groups, with previous efforts to promote trade in the early days of the Highway H2O brand. The parallels in each region’s geography and need to showcase inland waterways systems with one voice. The signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation with the Seaports of Niedersachsen will help to further promote our ports’ capabilities in the European market.

(Photo GLS)