Ports of Belledune and Rotterdam agree to work together on clean energy solutions

The CEOs of both ports signed the agreement at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with New Brunswick Premier, Blaine Higgs, in attendance.

Denis Caron, BPA CEO, said the agreement establishes a direct trade route with one of the largest clean energy markets in Europe.

“This is the latest step in our journey to bring sustainable energy solutions to the world. This agreement recognises the benefits of working together in developing technology, infrastructure and export-import corridors for clean hydrogen from the Port of Belledune.”

René van der Plas, Director of the Port of Rotterdam International, added:

“Because of its large demand, Europe will always need to import energy. As we are Europe’s largest energy port, we’re actively setting up trade lanes for renewable energy, like hydrogen. We’re in touch with countries and companies across the globe, and Belledune in New Brunswick is a very promising port regarding its hydrogen export potential.”

Blaine Higgs, New Brunswick Premier, commented:

“New Brunswick is well positioned to be Canada’s energy gateway to Europe and an integral player in lowering greenhouse gas emissions provincially, nationally and globally. By working with key partners, like the BPA, I am confident our energy vision will attract new business opportunities, create new energy supply chains and jobs, and drive economic growth.”

This agreement follows two similar clean energy trade MOU’s between the BPA and the German Ports of Wilhelmshaven and Hamburg, signed in 2022.

The agreements will support the BPA’s planned Green Energy Hub, a special development district for clean energy projects and complementary, low-carbon industries.

In August, the BPA announced an agreement with Cross River to develop a hydrogen facility powered by green-certified energy that would produce ammonia fuel for export. Planned expansions would create additional capacity to serve local, domestic, and international markets. The facility will be located at the Port’s Green Energy Hub.

The MOU with Rotterdam will strengthen the ports’ bilateral partnership with the goal of supporting the energy needs of both Canada and the Netherlands, with a particular focus on the production, storage and shipment of cleaner fuels, such as: green ammonia, hydrogen, biomass, and renewable natural gas.

The agreement also enables the ports to explore: the possibility of infrastructure developments; innovations and technology advancements in the maritime transport sector as it transitions to cleaner fuels and greener energy; best practices in liquid and dry bulk products storage and shipping, particularly in the areas of clean fuel and green energy; and support for the development of relationships between importers and exporters in Canada and the Netherlands.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/dry-bulk/16052023/ports-of-belledune-and-rotterdam-agree-to-work-together-on-clean-energy-solutions/