Port of Belledune Improvement Update

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BELLEDUNE (CNB) – Federal, provincial and municipal officials joined members of the Belledune Port Authority today on a progress tour of $61.2-million infrastructure improvements at the deep-water port in northern New Brunswick.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also the minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Initiative, and Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, joined Rayburn Doucett, chief executive officer and president of the Belledune Port Authority, for the tour.
“This event demonstrates our investment in the Port of Belledune’s expansion project is working,” said Arseneault. “It also shows that this deep-sea port will be in a better position to provide shippers with easy access to global markets and allow New Brunswick to continue moving toward self-sufficiency.”

The Port of Belledune is undergoing improvements to the terminal, modifications and expansion upgrades, which will enhance the port’s operating and competitive capabilities.
“The Port of Belledune is one of many stimulus projects that our government is proud to have contributed to across New Brunswick to create jobs and strengthen our economy,” said O’Neill-Gordon. “As we enter the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government’s priority will be to continue its rapid implementation of efficient infrastructure, such as the Port of Belledune improvements, that will benefit communities for years to come.”

O’Neill-Gordon spoke on behalf of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister John Baird.
In June 2009, federal and provincial governments announced up to $46.8 million in funding towards the port’s infrastructure improvement and upgrade project. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $26.4 million, complemented by a contribution of $20.4 million from the Province of New Brunswick’s Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative.

“This significant infrastructure expansion project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2011 and will allow the Port of Belledune to continue to play a significant role in the economic well being of the Northern New Brunswick region,” said Arseneault. “Maintaining an economically healthy region is of critical importance to the port.

“As stated in our Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick, the northern industrial corridor and it’s anchor developments, such as the Port of Belledune, is our first priority,” he said. “Our investment in the Port of Belledune symbolizes the beginning of the transformation of northern New Brunswick’s economy. The port will support the opportunity for modular fabrication and component construction industries.”

10/03/27
MEDIA CONTACT: Marie-Josée Groulx, Communications New Brunswick, 506-444-3465; Infrastructure Canada, 613-948-1148.

 

The Port of Belledune – A Great Shipping Point for China!

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Belledune, NB – Two Belledune Port Authority (BPA) representatives, Rayburn Doucett, President & CEO and Jenna Doucet, Director of Marketing, joined Minister Victor Boudreau and a delegation of New Brunswick companies on a trade mission to China from January 23, 2010 to January 31, 2010.

The BPA had the opportunity to do formal presentations twice during the trade mission, in Beijing and Shenzhen. The presentation was delivered to a group of Chinese business people and investors from a wide range of sectors including transportation, energy, infrastructure, shipping etc. Jenna Doucet delivered the presentations; the presentations were based on giving information about the Port of Belledune to create awareness and strengthen the Port of Belledune’s identity.

“The presentation was both exciting and a great experience in many ways. This was the first time I presented with a translator which created a new dynamic and a new challenge,” says Jenna Doucet, “I stressed Belledune’s location and the advantages of the port including the amount of available land surrounding the port; the exceptional stevedoring and handling capacity; the rail and highway systems; and most of all the flexibility of the Port.”

In late 2009 China emerged as New Brunswick’s third largest market, with more than $105 million in exports shipped from January to October of that year, including nearly $80 million in zinc, $7.5 million in pulp products and $5 million in seafood products. This represented an increase of more than $60 million in exports to China compared to 2006.

“In 2009 over 104,000 dry metric tonnes of zinc concentrate and 88,000 dry metric tonnes of bulk concentrate was shipped through the Port of Belledune destined for China,” says Jenna Doucet “this was a great opportunity to put the Port of Belledune and New Brunswick in the spot light and show what we can do and what we are already doing. The Chinese market is very important due to its continued, fast growth and ambitious targets; the Port of Belledune wants to be part of this growth as China begins to move some new products into Canada and the USA.”

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For more information contact:
Jenna Doucet, Director of Marketing
506-522-1200
[email protected]

 

Belledune Port Authority now has 2 Certified Port Executives

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Belledune, NB – The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) is please to announce that two of their Executive team completed the CPE Certified Port Executive training. Jenna Doucet, BPA Director of Marketing and Tracy Eddy, BPA Director of Engineering & Property Management completed the training on January 22, 2010.

Canada’s marine transportation system supports an industry that contributes over $10 billion to our economy and provides employment to nearly 100,000 Canadians. It consists of large and small ports that are vital to communities, shipping companies, shipbuilding companies and many related support industries that allow goods and people to move freely into and within our country.

In recognition of the increasing need for trained professionals, MacDonnell Group has developed the CPE Certified Port Executive course. This advanced training was piloted as a program designed for the Canadian National Defense Force and is based on a training program that was first offered in the United States to port and logistics professionals. The program includes a comprehensive syllabus designed for port and government professionals. Course topics include, but are not limited to, an overview of the worldwide intermodal transportation system; port and terminal operations; cargo management; safety and security; emergency planning and response; public and media relations; environmental management; and strategic, master, and business planning. The course will also be offered in the United States and other countries.

“I have always encouraged the BPA staff to upgrade their skills which become a vital asset to our port. I would like to congratulate Jenna and Tracy for taking the initiative to further their training. It is very important to have our team receive up to date training as the transportation industry is ever evolving,” says Rayburn Doucett, BPA President & CEO. “The knowledge and skills learned at the CPE Certified Port Executive course are fundamental for us to better serve our clients and to attract new ones at the Port of Belledune.”

Participants in this initial course included executives from the Souris Harbour Authority, PEI, Port of Yarmouth, NS, Belledune Port Authority, NB, and St. Anthony Port Authority, NFLD.  A great training opportunity for Atlantic Canadian port executives!
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For more information contact:
Jenna Doucet, Director of Marketing
506-522-1200
[email protected]

 

FIRST SHIP OF 2010 AT THE PORT OF BELLEDUNE

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Belledune NB -The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) officially greeted Captain Oleksiy Kirdoglo Master of the M.V. “Victoriaborg”, the first ship to lay anchor at the Port of Belledune in 2010.

The M.V. “Victoriaborg”, a general cargo ship, is registered at the Port of Delfzijl in the Netherlands. The vessel’s agent is Calypso Marine Agency represented by Mr. Raymond Corbin. The M. V. “Victoriaborg” docked at the Port of Belledune the afternoon of January 2nd, 2010, reporting the first line ashore at 12:15hrs., where the Vessel is currently loading approximately 8100 MT of wood pellets.  The Vessel is scheduled to depart for Europe later today.

Mr. Rayburn Doucett, President & CEO of the BPA, presented Captain Kirdoglo with a commemorative gift at a ceremony held at the Belledune Port Authority’s Administrative offices on January 4th.

Mr. Doucett also took the opportunity to welcome the Captain to the Port of Belledune as well as thank the staff and Board of Directors for their continuous support. He also stated that “2009 was an exceptional year, breaking many records, even following four record breaking years. One hundred and twenty-four (124) vessels docked at the Port of Belledune in 2009; this is an increase of 10 per cent over last year’s total. It also combines with a total of 2 627 722 MT of cargo handled, an increase of 214 117 MT for a very successful year. We are eagerly beginning 2010 with some exciting business development opportunities on the horizon. We are also expecting a substantial surplus again this year mainly due to the cooperative efforts of our Terminal operators, Eastern Canada Stevedoring, Xstrata Zinc-Brunswick Smelter, and New Brunswick Power.”

Captain Kirdoglo praised the Port of Belledune saying “The Port of Belledune is an easy port to navigate with great facilities. The access to tug boats and pilots is much appreciated and makes calling on the Port of Belledune a pleasure.”

Present at the ceremony were BPA Chairman, Claude Doucet, who welcomed the Captain and his crew to the community, as well Mr. Léo Cormier and Basile Chiasson, Directors of the BPA and his Worship Mr. Nick Duivenvoorden, the Mayor of Belledune, Mr. Chris Fisher representing Shaw Group Limited., Mr. Donald Roy of Eastern Canada Stevedoring and representatives of other Port of Belledune terminal operators and stakeholders.

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Port of Belledune Board Member to carry the Olympic Torch in Bathurst, NB

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The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) is honoured to participate in many charitable events throughout the year and to watch the community work together. The Olympic Torch Relay which will travel through Bathurst, NB November 27 -28 is accepted with great pride by the Chaleur Region and to the Olympic Torchbearers selected.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada was pleased to confirm Mr. Barry Kyle one of the 12,000 Olympic Torchbearers who will soon hold history in his hands.

Mr. Barry Kyle joined the BPA Board of Directors in April 2009 and continues to be a well-regarded member with welcomed contribution. As a long time resident of Bathurst and a local business man who has made his mark on the international business scene he brings valued experience and knowledge to the BPA Board. His personals contributions to the Chaleur Region and corporately through Industrial Rubber Ltd are numerous and have been respectfully accepted by the region’s recipients for years. Mr. Barry Kyle is an ideal representative of the Chaleur Region.

The BPA wishes to congratulate this well deserved Torchbearer as he carries the Olympic Torch with pride on November 28 as it travels through Bathurst, NB. The Olympic Torch’s 45,000 kilometer journey would not be complete without a stop in New Brunswick’s Chaleur Region; the BPA is proud to be a part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay!

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Belledune Port Authority Staff Hits Walking Track in Support

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BELLEDUNE, NB – The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) is proud to have sponsored the 2009 Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Chaleur fundraising event that was held at the Cedar Cove Campground in Pointe-Verte, NB on June 12th, 2009. Along with corporate participation, staff members signed on to support the cause.  Coupled with the $3000 sponsorship, the BPA team was able to raise an additional $3500 through donations and raffle ticket sales.

“We are proud of what we were able to accomplish”; aside from the fundraising, we fulfilled our team commitment by having at least one team member on the walking track throughout the 12 hour period”, states Ms. Jenna Doucet, team captain and BPA Director of Marketing,

The Belledune Port Authority staff wishes to thank all of their friends and family for their participation which was invaluable.  The event organizers are also to be commended for overseeing such a successful event.

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Annual Report 2008

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Annual Report_2008_EN

CANADA AND NEW BRUNSWICK MAKE IMPORTANT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT – Funding will upgrade the Port of Belledune

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Belledune, New Brunswick, June 5, 2009 – The Port of Belledune will be expanded and improved thanks to a partnership between the governments of Canada and New Brunswick. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, along with Ms. Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramachi, and the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, together with the Honourable Roland Haché, Minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative, today announced that Canada and New Brunswick will contribute almost $47 million towards this project.

“Stimulating our economy and keeping people working during these tough economic times is a top priority for our Government,” said Minister Ashfield. “Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to support projects like the Port of Belledune, which will help ensure its long-term competitiveness and further stimulate the province’s economy.”

“Our investment in the Port of Belledune’s expansion project will not only put people to work but it symbolizes the beginning of the transformation of northern New Brunswick’s economy,” said Premier Graham. “This investment will better position the deep-sea port to provide shippers easy access to global markets and allow New Brunswick to continue moving forward on the road to self-sufficiency.”

Funding will support terminal improvements, modifications and expansion at the Port of Belledune. These upgrades to the Port will enhance its operating and competitive capabilities. Total estimated eligible costs for this project are $61.2 million. The Government of Canada will contribute up to a maximum of $26.4 million for the project, with a contribution of $20.4 million from the Province of New Brunswick’s Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative.

“This project is a an excellent example of what can be accomplished in our region when you have the cooperation of the municipality, the provincial and the federal governments all working with the proponent to achieve a common goal,” said Rayburn Doucett, President & CEO of the Belledune Port Authority.

The federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Fund invests in provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year’s and next year’s construction seasons. More projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund will be announced shortly.

Federal financial support for these infrastructure improvements is conditional on meeting all applicable eligibility and approval requirements under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and on the Port of Belledune raising its share of the funding for the project.

Canada and New Brunswick are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in New Brunswick.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund complements existing and long-term federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. To further this goal of rapid economic stimulus, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund will focus on construction–readiness as important project selection criteria. The full $4 billion will be distributed in fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Projects will focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

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For more information, please visit: www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

For more information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

Contacts:

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 Bruce Macfarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606

Belledune Port Authority Releases Financial Results

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Claude Doucet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Belledune Port Authority (BPA), released the 2008 Financial Results and Annual Report today at the BPA’s ninth Annual General Public Meeting at the Belledune Recreation and Cultural Centre.

“The Port of Belledune has continued to cultivate and effectively manage its resources as a catalyst for local development. I am happy to report that this year marks the fourth consecutive year of record profits in which revenue rose 10% and net income rose an impressive 27%. The Port’s vitals all remain robust including a 30% increase in tonnage handled and a 33% increase in vessels calling on the Port.

In 2008 we had the privilege of celebrating the tenth anniversary of the M.D. Young Terminal. In cooperation with our partners at The Shaw Group Inc. and Envirem Technologies Inc. the first shipments of wood pellets and aggregates were exported over the M.D. Young Terminal in the summer of 2008. Wood pellets are stored in one of the warehouses which began construction in 2007 and were completed in the early spring of 2008 while the aggregate is stockpiled directly before it is shipped. These customers will provide two noteworthy revenue streams for the port in 2009 and beyond.”

The BPA President & CEO, Rayburn Doucett stated that: “Through 2008, our efforts centered on retaining and expanding current business and seeking out new clients. We have made additions of over $5 million dollars to the Port’s infrastructure to meet current demands. Two warehouses were built, the pipeline was extended and plans were developed for continuation of construction and other improvement in 2009.”

Our net income reached an all-time high of $2,454,761 compared to $1,931,082 for 2007.  This increase in net income reflects the efforts of the Board of Directors, management and staff to control costs.

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For more information, please contact:
Rayburn Doucett
President & CEO
Belledune Port Authority
(506) 522-1200

 

Maiden Voyage – First Port of Call Belledune

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The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) officially became the first port to ever greet the M.V. “Alaskaborg” as she completed her maiden voyage from Vietnam!

The “Alaskaborg” is registered in the Netherlands and her loading port was Port of Phu My, Vietnam. The vessel’s agent is Calypso Marine represented by Mr. Robert Lagacé. The M.V. “Alaskaborg” docked at the Port of Belledune the afternoon of May 14th, 2009 where the Vessel is currently unloading approximately 72 windmill towers for the GDF- Suez Energy for the Caribou wind farm project in New Brunswick.  The next stop for the M.V. “Alaskaborg” will be at the Port of Matane, Quèbec.

Captain Jurjen Gerritsen and his crew arrived with the first of four shipments of windmill towers that will arrive at the Port of Belledune this spring. This is the first time windmill towers have ever arrived at the Port.

“The Port of Belledune is an ideal port to handle windmill towers. There is plenty of space surrounding the port and the equipment available is state-of-the art. Eastern Canada Stevedoring is proud to be able to offer the experience and the services required to ensure these types of shipments are possible in Belledune; we are very pleased with the partnership and cooperatives efforts that exist at the Port of Belledune to support new business opportunities,” says Mr. Donald Roy, General Manager of Eastern Canada Stevedoring.

Ms. Jenna Doucet, Director of Marketing at the BPA also took the opportunity to welcome the Captain to the Port of Belledune. She also stated that “2009 has begun on a very positive note! We are thrilled to be the first port to ever welcome the M.V. “Alaskaborg”. We have been working hard with our partners at ECS and with the New Brunswick Department of Energy to help ensure that the Port of Belledune was the first choice for windmill tower shipments. The windmill tower projects with other business development opportunities on the horizon are sure to make 2009 an exciting year at the Port of Belledune.”