The Port of Churchill has resumed grain exports for the first time since 2020, with AGT Foods shipping 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat to Europe through the Arctic Gateway, marking a significant return to commercial grain shipping and strengthening Canada's diversified trade infrastructure.
- Churchill Port loads its first grain vessel in four years carrying 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat destined for Europe
- AGT Foods partnership with Arctic Gateway Group marks the beginning of a new commercial relationship with plans for additional shipments this season and beyond
- Churchill offers a shorter, more efficient route to European and Mediterranean markets compared to other Canadian ports
- The port is experiencing its most diversified shipping season with zinc concentrate, potash, and northern resupply vessels also operating
- Recent infrastructure improvements include wharf refacing, grain-handling upgrades, and Hudson Bay Railway track rehabilitation using AI monitoring technology
The first grain vessel to leave the Port of Churchill in four years is being loaded this week, carrying 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat to Europe and signaling a return to commercial grain shipping through the northern gateway.
Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods is supplying the wheat in what marks the beginning of a new relationship with Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), which operates the port. Two more grain ships are expected at Churchill this season, with plans to continue shipments in future years.
“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,” said Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. “The return of grain exports is another example of what this northern corridor can deliver as we strengthen and diversify Canada’s trade infrastructure.”
The shipment comes as Canada looks to reduce reliance on single trading partners. For AGT Foods, Churchill offers a shorter, more efficient route to reach European and Mediterranean customers compared to other Canadian ports.
“We are proud to be part of the return of grain exports through Churchill and to establish a relationship that will see additional shipments this season and in future years,” said Murad Al-Katib, president and CEO of AGT Foods and Ingredients Inc.
The grain vessel is part of the most diversified shipping season in Churchill’s history. Another ship arrives this week to load zinc concentrate and the port’s first-ever potash shipment, mined in Manitoba by Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba. Those commodities head to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where AGG has developed a growing business relationship. The port is also loading a northern resupply vessel bound for Nunavut.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the shipments represent an important milestone for Prairie farmers seeking new routes to international markets. “Our producers need more ways to reach customers around the world, and Churchill provides an important northern gateway that can help diversify our trade,” he said.
While shipping returns, work continues on port and railway infrastructure. Recent studies confirm year-round shipping operations are possible with existing ice-strengthened vessels, though further planning and environmental assessments are needed.
AGG is refacing the port’s wharf and completed structural work on grain-handling infrastructure. On the Hudson Bay Railway, the company added a weekly freight train and continues track rehabilitation across the network, using LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence for monitoring.
