BELLEDUNE, NB — The Port of Belledune will get federal funding towards a new dry bulk conveyor loop through an investment from the National Trade Corridors Fund.
The investment of up to $12.5 million will go towards the $25-million project to facilitate reloading and trans-shipments at the Port.
Through the funding, the Port will install fixed conveyors linking the deep-water terminal to the staging area, renovate existing storage, and build a new warehouse and transfer tower.
“The project would also allow the port to maximize transshipment opportunities to the Great Lakes and the American Midwest, as well as from international ports,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport. “It helps build an economy that works for everyone, while creating good jobs for the region.”
The project will increase the quantities of bulk cargo handled at the Port of Belledune and make it easier to move goods like forest products, minerals, and petroleum between vessels and other modes of transportation.
The investment will have economic and employment impacts for the region, such as relieving supply chain congestion, and facilitating the movement of goods at the port while creating jobs, the Government of Canada said in a press release.
“We are excited to work with public and private partners to invest in modern infrastructure that enables us to double our cargo capacity while reducing our carbon footprint and greening our operations,” said Denis Caron, CEO of the Port of Belledune. “This new conveyor system is a game-changer for Port operations, allowing us to move cargo more quickly and efficiently. With this project and others, we are anticipating the needs brought on by climate change while transitioning to sustainable solutions for our business and operations.”