Rotterdam in the Netherlands has come on board to study cargo flow and technical port infrastructure as well as look at the use of renewable energy, biofuels and green hydrogen.

The project is being supported by an investment of CAD$250,000 from the Société du Plan Nord as part of the Government of Quebec’s 2020-2023 Northern Action Plan.

“The plan will allow the port to fully play its role in the new decarbonised economy, focused on the optimal use of our infrastructure and resources for the benefit of the St. Lawrence economy, Quebec and the world,” said Karine Otis, executive director of Port of Baie-Comeau.

The deep-water port of Baie-Comeau is situated in the province of Québec on the Saint Lawrence river and has recently changed ownership from Transport Canada to the Baie-Comeau Port Management Corporation.

It provides logistics for the mining and manufacturing industries of north-east Québec and is connected to the US Midwest and all major inland markets. Its aim is to increase capacity and become an export hub for all manufacturing, natural resources, mining, cereals and green energy in the area. Recently, the Ottawa and Quebec governments allocated CAD$15 million to a feasibility study into the extension of the Dolbeau Mistassini existing railway up to the Baie-Comeau railway and maritime terminal.

“We congratulate the Port Authority of Baie-Comeau on their new position as owner of the port assets and we look forward very much to the next steps in our co-operation and to exploring the full potential of Baie-Comeau as a green port and industrial zone together with the Port Authority, the City of Baie-Comeau and the Pessamit First Nation community,” said René van der Plas, director Port of Rotterdam International.