The Belledune Port Authority (BPA) and its logistics partner QSL are strengthening their strategic partnership with the signing of a new 25-year lease agreement that will help transform the Port into a green energy hub and enhance supply chain opportunities with Europe.
Partners since 1997, QSL and the Port of Belledune share a vision of innovation, infrastructure investment, and sustainable growth. QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services logistics, and transport throughout North America.
“BPA and QSL have a great history of combining forces to improve and expand Port and materials handling infrastructure,” says Robert Bellisle, President and CEO of QSL. “We are proud of our commitment to Belledune and look forward to the next phase of growth. This partnership is a powerful demonstration of how we can achieve long-term, sustainable development, a critical component of our business model.”
“We are very fortunate to be working with a partner that shares our vision for sustainability in both operations and business development,” says Denis Caron, President and CEO, Port of Belledune. “We have grown together for nearly three decades and are looking toward the next horizon, building innovation and growth into our operations to secure a greener and more prosperous future for the port, our clients, and our local communities.”
The partners have recently completed a $35 million terminal expansion project at Belledune, with support from the National Trade Corridor Fund and the Government of New Brunswick. This project expanded Terminals 3 and 4 to increase the footprint for QSL operations, laying the foundation for many more successful years of cargo handling.
QSL and BPA continue to plan for growth and look forward to attracting more business with an increased QSL presence and a vision for efficiency improvement, GHG emission reduction, and an overall drive for increased tonnage movement through Belledune.
Together with suppliers and project partners, QSL and BPA are also working to develop and grow green energy projects and expand renewable energy supply chains in Northern New Brunswick. These efforts have helped Belledune become Eastern Canada’s largest supplier of renewable wood pellets to Europe. They are continuing efforts to green terminal operations as partners and members of Green Marine.
Through this transformation, the leaders of both organizations are committed to engaging with suppliers, community leaders, and indigenous rights holders to ensure that concerns are understood and benefits are shared.