Belledune, NB -The Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, and the Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, Serge Cormier, today announced an investment of up to $12.5 million, under the National Trade Corridors Fund, for an infrastructure project at the Port of Belledune.
The $25 million project will create a dry bulk conveyor loop between two terminals that will facilitate reloading and transshipments at the Port. With this funding, the Port will install fixed conveyors linking the deep-water terminal to the staging area, renovate existing storage, and build a new warehouse and transfer tower.
The project will increase the quantities of bulk cargo handled at the Port of Belledune and make it easier to move goods like forest products, minerals, and petroleum between vessels and other modes of transportation.
This investment will have important economic and employment benefits for the region, such as relieving supply chain congestion, and facilitating the movement of goods at this port while creating good jobs in the region, a press release stated.
“Today’s announcement at the Port of Belledune will help maintain the competitiveness, resilience, and fluidity of our supply chain,” said Omar Alghabra. “The project would also allow the port to maximize transshipment opportunities to the Great Lakes and the American Midwest, as well as from international ports.”
“This new conveyor system is a game-changer for Port operations, allowing us to move cargo more quickly and efficiently. With this project and others, we are anticipating the needs brought on by climate change while transitioning to sustainable solutions for our business and operations,” said Denis Caron, CEO of the Port of Belledune.
Robert Bellisle, CEO and President of QSL International, declared: “At QSL, sustainable development is key to our business model. It is why we are very excited to play a part in today’s announcement by the Port of Belledune and the federal government. The investment will not only allow for new cargoes to be handled in a more efficient manner but will also lead to a reduction in GHG emissions. The Port of Belledune’s vision of a green energy hub and its work with all stakeholders, including the First Nations, is perfectly aligned with the reasons that propelled QSL to sign the United Nations Global Compact, and why we are so proud to operate in Belledune.”
(Photo Transport Canada)
