On January 30, the port authorities of Montréal, Québec, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, and Trois-Rivières approved a memorandum of understanding with North Sea Port. This initiative will strengthen supply chains between the Saguenay-St. Lawrence and North Sea maritime corridors, stimulating economic growth and fostering innovation. This agreement builds on a memorandum of cooperation signed in March 2018 between the Port of Québec and North Sea Port. By integrating the ports of Montréal, Saguenay, Sept-Îles and Trois-Rivières, the agreement establishes a framework for concrete actions in terms of trade, innovation, and energy transition, which will benefit the various stakeholders involved and the companies using the organizations in this partnership.

The signatory ports are committed to promoting opportunities for the industries they serve, particularly in the bulk cargo sector. Working together, they will identify the most promising sectors and optimize logistics chains linking the hinterland of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence region and Northwestern Europe. These efforts will focus on business intelligence to improve port planning and operations.

The ports have launched initiatives to connect their customers with research institutes, universities and start-ups. These initiatives will enable ports to become genuine laboratories for innovative maritime solutions. Sharing expertise and exploring new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, will bolster operational efficiency.

The ports will work together to reduce their carbon footprint, exploring low-emission solutions, greening port areas, and introducing alternative fuels. The agreement aims to define sustainable approaches for the medium and long term.