Arctic Gateway Group, NSSI sign deal to strengthen Churchill–Nunavut supply route

Arctic Gateway Group and Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at rebuilding and expanding northern supply chains between the Port of Churchill and Nunavut’s Kivalliq region.

“The Port of Churchill is ready to supply businesses and families in Nunavut with the goods they need, reliably and with improved service,” said Chris Avery, president and CEO of Arctic Gateway Group. He said the Churchill–Nunavut relationship was disrupted in 2017 when the rail line fell into disrepair and service stopped, but added that ongoing port upgrades and a reliably operating Hudson Bay Railway mean the company is “ready to rebuild that connection and re-establish Churchill as the natural, northern gateway for the Kivalliq.”

Under the MOU, the two organizations will work to strengthen multimodal supply chains, including rail, port operations and sealift, and explore launching a Churchill-origin sealift as early as 2026.

“Nunavut has a long history with Churchill, and our shareholders know the value this route once delivered to communities across the Kivalliq,” said David Kakuktinniq, a board member with NSSI. “NSSI believes it is important to pursue options that could enhance northern shipping flexibility and contribute to the Port of Churchill’s revival.”

Kakuktinniq said the agreement will help the groups “collaboratively assess the corridor, explore ways to potentially expand northern shipping options, and consider how Inuit-led resupply approaches can best support the long-term needs of families and businesses in the territory.”

The agreement designates Inuit-owned NSSI, which operates a fleet of ice-class vessels across all three Nunavut regions, as AGG’s preferred carrier for sealift shipments from Churchill.

AGG says recent upgrades to the Hudson Bay Railway and ongoing modernization at the port are making it possible to revive Churchill’s historic role as Nunavut’s logistics hub. The agreement also supports goals under Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, including Indigenous economic participation and more resilient Arctic supply chains.

A Joint Steering Committee will oversee coordinated rail, port and sealift operations, infrastructure improvements, business development and investment proposals tied to the corridor.

“As Canada looks to strengthen its northern trade routes, Churchill is uniquely positioned,” Avery said. “This agreement with NSSI is about restoring a vital relationship between regions that have always supported one another, done in a way that ensures any investments directly benefit Nunavummiut, strengthen the northern economy and continue to build up the Port of Churchill.”