Port of Belledune celebrates 50 years

“In 2018, we handled 402 172 t in July alone, which broke our all-time record for tonnage in a single month,” says Jenna MacDonald, Director of Marketing & Business Development. “We also just passed the million dollar mark of funds reinvested in the region through sponsorships and donations since 2008.”

The Port is fully committed to the ‘North Shore’ where sandy beaches meet the warmest waters north of Virginia in the summer. With only 15 full-time employees, the Belledune Port Authority (BPA) supports almost 2000 direct and indirect jobs.

Denis D. Caron, President & CEO of the BPA since 2016, says it’s an exciting time for the port to reach middle age. “Last year we netted a profit of CAN$2 685 200, which is an increase of 14% profit over the year before. We are delivering a better quality of life for our surrounding communities and will continue to do so. This policy is part of the port’s DNA,” Caron declares.

Intermodal connectivity

Just 5 min. off the highway, Port of Belledune facilities have direct access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Bay of Chaleur. This results in fast shipping times to Europe and beyond. The region has strong air connections too with the Bathurst airport only 40 km away; Charlo airport is 45 km, and the Moncton International Airport is 250 km south. The port also welcomes 150 trucks per day, and 38 250 trucks annually.

Belledune was first settled in 1815 and many evacuees of the Great Miramichi Fire followed in 1825. The region experienced transformational change in the 1960s under New Brunswick premier Louis Robichaud with the construction of a lead and zinc smelter to support mining south of Bathurst. “In the early days, the port mainly served the mining industry but the permanent shutdown of the Brunswick Mine in 2013 closed a big door,” recalls Caron.

Fortunately, strategic investments over the years secured the port’s future with four diverse marine terminals. The first expansion took place in 1993 to meet the needs of a new coal-fired NB Power generating plant in Belledune. Shipments of coal and petroleum coke still comprise 47% of the port’s tonnage, but the future of the plant is uncertain. “Accordingly, we reduced our dependency and now handle 24 different commodities with a focus on bulk and break bulk,” he explains.

In 1998, a mixed cargo terminal was added. The port became a Canadian Port Authority in 2000, and shipping perlite since 2002 has advanced diversification efforts. A defining year was 2011 with the completion of two new terminals; a roll-on/roll-off terminal and another for barges. A new modular fabrication facility was built beside a second huge building for complementary services. This paved the way for new cargo types such as generators, modular homes and trailers. The BPA also acquired more land which now totals 1600 acres. Danika Keeley, the BPA’s first female board chair, says a strong liaison with federal and provincial governments allowed the BPA to significantly improve its infrastructure.

Five growth sectors

The BPA has adopted a new business development method concentrating on five specific growth sectors: energy, forestry, mining and minerals, agriculture, and modular. “Forest products have been in the cargo mix since the late 1990s,” notes Caron. “This year, we hit a milestone of 1 million t of wood pellets exported by two shippers.” Wood chips are also exported to Turkey where they are turned into medium density fiberboard. The port ships salt to Morocco; petroleum coke to the US; coal to Columbia; sulfuric acid to Chile, and biomass to the UK, to name a few.

A key partner is Eastern Canada Stevedoring, a subsidiary of Quebec Stevedoring Limited. “With skilled workers and state-of-the-art equipment, clients can trust their cargo is well-handled,” credits Caron. “It’s a terrific advantage to have 60 acres on the marine terminal where there is deeper water than many smaller ports, plus we have Eastern’s world-class stevedoring. Safety is our top priority and we hold the highest standard security rating from Transport Canada.”

As President and CEO, Caron is responsible for port operations and navigating the course ahead. “I had a tough act to follow with Rayburn Doucett retiring,” he acknowledges. “Rayburn took the port to new heights, and our Director of Operations and Harbour Master, Captain Wynford Goodman, has been working at the Port of Belledune for 30 years. Barry Kyle, our past Chairman between 2011 and 2018, was also influential. I am pleased to continue their vision of sustainable growth.”

Green Marine and First Nations support

In 2017, the BPA demonstrated its commitment to sustainability becoming the newest participant in Green Marine – the largest voluntary environmental certification programme for the maritime industry in North America. Another highlight for Caron was signing an agreement with First Nation communities to establish a framework for consultation on future projects. “The port is situated on the traditional land of the Mi’gmaq people, so it’s essential we forge a path forward that is practical, respectful and supportive.” The port continues to consult with five regional First Nation communities and recently bought a 15 seat passenger van to provide public tours of the site. A community Family Day was also held to celebrate the big 5-0.

The Port of Belledune is embracing its five decades of international trade experience. “Vessels are calling globally, and we are just getting started,” says Caron, glancing out at the bay. “This port has room to attract new business that provides prosperity and employment to northern New Brunswick. We will do what is right for the environment and continue to build meaningful relationships with our stakeholders. Our proactive team and strategic vision have us well positioned for unlimited success.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/28112018/port-of-belledune-celebrates-50-years/