Ports of Belledune and Antwerp-Bruges Partner for Hydrogen Trade Acceleration
Key Ideas
- The Belledune Port Authority and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed an agreement to establish a supply chain for clean fuels, with a focus on hydrogen and its derivatives.
- The partnership aims to strengthen supply chain capabilities, promote cleaner industrial development, and support sustainable innovation.
- This agreement marks the fourth collaboration between the Belledune Port Authority and major European ports, showcasing a collective effort towards green energy initiatives.
- Development at the Port of Belledune will include a Green Energy Hub focusing on producing green hydrogen for domestic use and export, positioning Canada as a leader in the global green energy transition.
The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have entered into a partnership to accelerate the trade of green energy, particularly hydrogen and its derivatives. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam signifies a significant move towards establishing a supply chain for clean fuels and green manufacturing goods. This collaboration aims to enhance supply chain capabilities, support cleaner industrial development, and drive sustainable innovation in both regions.
The agreement between the two ports emphasizes the importance of collective efforts involving various stakeholders in developing a hydrogen economy and sustainable industries worldwide. This partnership aligns with the commitment to building a resilient, efficient, and future-ready approach to industrial development, as highlighted by Denis Caron, President and CEO of the BPA. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges International CEO, Kristof Waterschoot, also emphasized the significance of working together to achieve shared goals in sustainable innovation.
The Port of Belledune's focus on green energy was outlined in its 2022 Master Development Plan, aiming to transition operations and cargo mix to support clean energy production following the anticipated federal regulations banning coal imports after 2030. The development includes the establishment of a Green Energy Hub to facilitate the production of green hydrogen for local consumption and export to Europe. This initiative aligns with New Brunswick's Energy Strategy and the federal government's Hydrogen Strategy update, positioning Canada as a key player in the global green energy transition.
Through this partnership and the focus on hydrogen production, the Ports of Belledune and Antwerp-Bruges aim to play a critical role in advancing sustainable practices and establishing themselves as key players in the evolving landscape of green energy trade.