The Port of Churchill in northern Manitoba may play a much larger role in moving Canadian agricultural products and resources to world markets, as Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Fednav Ltd. announced a new partnership to explore year-round shipping through Hudson Bay.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate the potential for a sustainable, commercially supported 12-month shipping season, said an AGG news release on Friday. AGG is an indigenous and community owned Manitoba company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill.
Fednav, a leader in Arctic marine operations, will bring its expertise to complement AGG’s rail and port infrastructure, which already connects Western Canada’s farms, mines, and energy producers to global buyers.
“A sustained Arctic shipping route would provide Western Canada’s vast resource sectors, including energy, agriculture, and critical minerals, with consistent access to global markets,” said Chris Avery, CEO of AGG. “The Port of Churchill stands uniquely positioned to fulfill this national need, with established rail and port infrastructure, and capabilities to ship Canadian resources to world markets through Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor.”
The Port of Churchill is Canada’s only deepwater Arctic port with direct rail access, making it a strategic outlet for Prairie grain shipments as well as other commodities. A year-round corridor could offer farmers and exporters more reliable routes to overseas markets, reducing dependence on southern ports.
“This partnership could be a game-changer for the Port of Churchill and Canada’s Arctic trade ambitions,” Avery added. “Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a new era of year-round shipping that reflects northern priorities, the Canadian national interest, and the global demand for Canadian resources.”
The agreement also opens the door for expanded trade-enabling infrastructure at the port. AGG has already tripled its critical mineral storage capacity and increased freight volumes along the Hudson Bay Railway, signaling its intention to scale operations in step with growing demand.
