Port of Churchill
The Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) has announced a significant expansion of its critical mineral export partnership with Hudbay Minerals Inc. (Hudbay), which builds on last year’s successful shipment of zinc concentrate from the Port of Churchill to international markets, and, this year, will allow the companies to double the volume of critical minerals shipped through the Port. AGG says it also plans to triple current critical mineral storage capacity at the Port of Churchill, “setting the state for the continued growth of critical exports from the Port of Churchill.”
The Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba have both reaffirmed their commitment to AGG’s operations and investing in Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor, according to the company. As a result, 2025 will see more work undertaken to upgrade the Port of Churchill and prepare for future import and export growth, including planning for wharf rebuilding, dredging preparation, grain elevator maintenance and upgrades, facility investments, and long-term site design improvements to meet the needs of current and future customers.
“AGG is proud to work with Hudbay as we continue to ramp up our operations and are on a strong growth pathway,” said AGG CEO Chris Avery. “We’ve restored the Hudson Bay Railway to the best condition it has been in over 25 years, and we’re keeping it strong by investing in new advanced new railway tools. We’ve proven that we’re ready to haul, store and export Western Canada’s critical minerals to international markets and have secured the confidence of private sector partners to do so. Most important, we’re 100% owned by a local Canadian group – meaning our business success will directly translate into local benefits for Indigenous and Bayline ownership communities.”
“We see tremendous potential in Arctic Gateway, especially for increased shipments of critical minerals through the Port of Churchill,” said Rob Carter, Hudbay’s Vice President of the Manitoba Business Unit. “These minerals are essential for the technologies that will power our future, and they are abundant in Manitoba. We are committed to working alongside our partners to create a thriving and sustainable future for this region and for all Manitobans, leveraging the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway as a vital export gateway. The future of the Port of Churchill and Manitoba’s critical mineral sector is bright and Hudbay is ready to play a leading role in that future.”
AGG had a historic construction season in 2024, completing significant upgrades along the Hudson Bay Railway between The Pas and Churchill, Manitoba. This work included:
- 2.3 million feet of spot surfacing, 119,965 new railway ties, three major crossing rehabilitations, and over 1,600 cars of ballast.
- The use of modern railway monitoring technology, including drones, LiDAR, and artificial intelligence to maintain high track quality in ways that were not possible in the past.
- Cutting travel time by 10% between The Pas and Churchill, representing a savings of three hours.
“The Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway are open for business, and ready to make Canada’s supply chains stronger and economy more resilient. We offer capacity and optionality to help make sure the vast resources of Western Canada get to foreign markets,” Avery added.
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is moving forward with the first phase of its part in transforming California into a hydrogen hub.
The initial phase involves working with tenants to develop plans for large-scale testing of hydrogen-fueled cargo-handling equipment. It also involves mapping out hydrogen fuel sourcing, mobile fueling and filling stations, and community engagement programs.
The Port of Long Beach is a member of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The organization is a network of more than 400 industry, government, labor and community groups that successfully competed for a $1.2 billion federal grant to accelerate the development of a sustainable hydrogen fuel market.
The Port of Los Angeles is also an ARCHES member. Each port has been allocated $50 million, and each has committed to matching the funds and any additional grant dollars they may be allocated down the road. The first phase is expected to be completed in March 2026. Subsequent phases are design and assembly of more than 50 pieces of yard equipment, procuring them, and ultimately integrating them into terminal operations. The grant also supports deployment of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks.
Additionally, the Port of Long Beach announced that California Sen. Laura Richardson has introduced a bill to create an intermodal goods movement stakeholders group to develop a rating system of yellow, orange and red for port-related emissions levels and an action plan when the thresholds are reached.
Under SB 34, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) would create the 24-member group, half of whom would be representatives from each of 12 ports: Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, Hueneme, Stockton, San Francisco, Richmond, West Sacramento, Humboldt, Redwood City and Benicia. The remaining half would be one individual representing each of the following groups: terminal operators, shipping lines, rail operators, freight forwarders, warehouse/distribution centers, the California Association of Port Authorities, the state Department of Transportation, CARB, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union—one individual each from Locals 13, 63, 94—and the ILWU Southern California District Council.
Introduced in early December, the bill would require the group to submit its findings, recommendations and action plan to California legislators by Jan. 31, 2027. The bill has been referred to two Senate committees: Environmental Quality and Transportation. Richardson represents Senate District 35, which stretches from Inglewood south to San Pedro and includes the Port of Los Angeles and a portion of the Port of Long Beach.
