Quebec port authorities sign agreement with North Sea Port

Five Quebec port authorities have signed a memorandum of understanding with North Sea Port to strengthen supply chains and promote economic growth between the Saguenay-St. Lawrence and North Sea maritime corridors.

The ports of Montreal, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, and Trois-Rivières announced the agreement, building on a 2018 cooperation deal between the Port of Quebec and North Sea Port. The new partnership aims to boost trade, drive innovation and advance sustainable maritime transport.

“We’re proud to establish this collaborative partnership with North Sea Port, linking the Saguenay-St. Lawrence corridor with a vibrant region like the North Sea,” the five Quebec port CEOs said in a joint statement. “The aim is to foster active collaboration between the two groups for mutually profitable benefits on important issues and opportunities like decarbonization, business intelligence, and innovation.”

North Sea Port is a West European port that extends for more than 60 kilometers, 9.100 hectares and across Belgium and the Netherlands.

The agreement will focus on optimizing logistics, connecting industry with research institutions, and developing low-emission solutions in port operations.

“Canada is North Sea Port’s fourth most important trading partner in terms of cargo throughput,” said Maarten den Dekker, chief sustainability and digital officer of North Sea Port. “Cooperation with these five Canadian ports can only be beneficial.”

The deal marks a key step in deepening trade and environmental ties between the regions.