Churchill’s first grain vessel in six years highlights growing trade opportunities for Western Canadian farmers.
The Port of Churchill has marked a significant milestone with the loading of its first grain export vessel since 2020. The ship is carrying approximately 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat supplied by Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods and is scheduled to depart for Europe this week.
The shipment is the first of three grain vessels expected to use the port this season, reflecting a growing partnership between Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and AGT Foods.
“At a time when the United States has fundamentally changed all of its trading relationships, we are focused on what we can control. This means building strength at home and diversifying trade, so that Canada is no longer reliant on a single trading partner,” said the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, and Minister responsible for CanNor, Government of Canada.
“The Port of Churchill has an important role to play, providing an Indigenous and locally-owned northern gateway connecting Western Canadian producers and resources to global markets. The return of grain exports is another example of what this northern corridor can deliver as we strengthen and diversify Canada’s trade infrastructure.”
“Seeing Prairie grain once again moving through the Port of Churchill to European markets is an important milestone for Manitoba agriculture,” said the Honourable Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture, Province of Manitoba.
“Our producers need more ways to reach customers around the world, and Churchill provides an important northern gateway that can help diversify our trade, strengthen our supply chains and create new opportunities for Manitoba and Western Canadian agriculture.”
The grain movement forms part of what AGG describes as the most diversified shipping season in the port’s history. In addition to grain, Churchill is preparing shipments of zinc concentrate and its first-ever potash exports destined for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The port is also handling northern resupply shipments for Nunavut, highlighting its growing importance as both a trade gateway and an Arctic supply hub.
Meanwhile, AGG continues major modernization efforts across the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway.
Ongoing projects include wharf rehabilitation, grain-handling infrastructure upgrades, railway bridge reconstruction, track improvements, and the use of advanced technologies such as LiDAR, drones, ground-penetrating radar, and artificial intelligence to support maintenance and improve operational efficiency.
The Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway are owned by OneNorth, a partnership representing 29 First Nations and 12 northern communities and are operated by Arctic Gateway Group.