Belledune, Wilhelmshaven ports partner up on clean fuels, green energy

Canada’s Belledune Port Authority (BPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Niedersachsen Ports Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to collaborate on the movement of dry and liquid bulk commodities, and manufactured products, between Canada and Germany, with a focus on clean fuels and green products.

As explained, the MOU will support the MOU between the governments of Canada and Germany to establish an energy partnership aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through a transition to safe, secure, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.

“This agreement creates a direct trade corridor between New Brunswick and one of the biggest clean energy markets in Europe,” Denis Caron, BPA CEO, commented.

“We are very pleased to support Canada’s efforts to provide sustainable energy to the world, while meeting our own goals to diversify, encourage new investment and develop green energy solutions.”

The MOU between the ports recognizes the role that their operations will play in creating infrastructure aimed at the production, storage and shipment of clean fuels and green manufactured goods, for both domestic and intercontinental markets, and in assuring safe and secure access for the movement of clean fuels, green energy and other products between Canada and Germany.

“We are highly delighted to announce an important partnership between the Port of Belledune (BPA) and Niedersachen Ports. Our Port in Willemshaven will going forward assume an important role in the energy supply of Germany. Together with BPA we also want to make a substantial contribution to the energy transformation as a whole to a low carbon economy,” Holger Banik, CEO of Niedersachen Ports (NPOrts) and JadeWeserPort Realisierungs, said.

The MOU will allow the ports to form a relationship that will support the emerging needs of Canada and Germany’s energy and manufacturing sectors, with a particular focus on the production, storage and shipment of cleaner fuels such as green ammonia, hydrogen, biomass and renewable natural gas.

Earlier this month, BPA also reached an agreement in principle with Cross River Infrastructure Partners to develop a green hydrogen production facility at the northern New Brunswick port that will help meet provincial, federal and global goals of a transition to a clean energy future.