Originally built in 1968 to address the shipping needs of what was then the Noranda Smelter (Xstrata), the Port of Belledune has grown and evolved during its three decades of existence.  It still provides the gateway through which concentrates move across the globe from its original terminal, but having twice expanded, first in 1997 and again in 1998, the Port of Belledune has assumed a greater role in the economy of the surrounding region.  It has, in striving to fulfil its mission, become one of the cornerstones of the local economy and provides direct and indirect employment for many local residents.

The expansions –  the second in particular – are significant factors in the historic development of the port.  Prior to the addition of Terminal III, which handles general merchandise, port activities were limited mostly to concentrates, ore, and coal for the NB Power facility built adjacent to the port.  The addition of a third terminal sparked a number of changes in terms of port operations and the organizational structure of the port.

The M.D. Young Terminal (Terminal III), being less than a decade old, boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment.  It was designed to handle a broad array of general cargo including containers, vehicles, resource products, consumables, consumer merchandise, and specialized cargo.  The addition of this new general cargo terminal essentially opened the door for more business at the port.

Shortly after Terminal III went into operation, another change significantly impacted the port.  In 2000, the Belledune Port Authority (BPA) was formed to take over all operations at the Port of Belledune.  Until that time, the port had been run by a federal department in Ottawa and as a result decisions for port activities were made in Ottawa.  The creation of a local port authority and a local board of directors has had a dramatic impact on port operations.  Decisions can be made locally and can be made quickly based on the merit of an opportunity.

The port authority immediately realized that due to its ultra-modern facilities and strategic location for accessing large North American markets, it has significant advantages to offer potential clients. This, together with being able to offers some of the shortest shipping routes between Europe and North America make the Port of Belledune very attractive to shippers.

The port has steadily expanded the scope of its services and has handled general cargo of all shapes and sizes, including containers, live trees, timber, paper products, consumables, and consumer merchandise.  It deals with shipping companies and clients from across the world and has steadily broadened its client-base resulting in greater volumes and larger revenues.  Since a local board of directors assumed control of its operations, the port has strived for flexibility in addressing the unique needs of its clients.