DP World, Arctic Gateway Group and CentrePort Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new trade opportunities across Canada’s northern transportation network.
Announced on October 26, 2026, the agreement focuses on port operations, logistics services and the potential development of an integrated trade corridor. The proposed connection would link the Port of Churchill, Hudson Bay Railway, CentrePort Canada and DP World’s global logistics network.
The partnership aims to improve access to international markets and strengthen connections between Canada’s inland and coastal transportation infrastructure.
It also explores opportunities to connect Europe and Asia through intermodal transportation routes across Canada.
The Port of Churchill, located on Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, plays a central role in the proposed partnership.
Arctic Gateway Group owns and operates the port and the Hudson Bay Railway. Together, these assets provide a transportation connection between northern Manitoba and the wider Canadian rail network.
According to Arctic Gateway Group, the port is handling its most diverse range of commodities to date. These include grain, potash, critical minerals and supplies destined for Nunavut.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway to attract private investment for further port modernisation and export growth.
The agreement also involves CentrePort Canada, a major inland port and Foreign Trade Zone in Manitoba. Its infrastructure connects businesses through road, rail and air cargo transportation.
CentrePort has attracted approximately $1.5 billion in private investment in recent years. More than 1,000 companies operate within the development area.
In addition, over 3.5 million square feet of industrial space has been completed or remains under construction over the past eight years.
The new partnership will examine how these inland facilities could connect more effectively with Churchill and international shipping networks.
DP World’s participation brings international port operations and logistics expertise to the initiative.
The company handles more than one million TEUs annually in Canada and operates a global network of port terminals and supply chain services.
Through the agreement, the three organisations will explore opportunities to improve connections between Canadian exporters and overseas markets.
“This agreement is an opportunity to explore how the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway and CentrePort Canada can connect more effectively with DP World’s global network and end-to-end logistics capabilities,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada.
Smith added that combining the organisations’ infrastructure and expertise could strengthen supply chains and create additional options for Canadian exporters.
Chris Avery, President and CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, also highlighted the potential benefits of closer cooperation.
According to Avery, better integration between Churchill and Manitoba’s inland transportation infrastructure could support a unified trade corridor. This would help connect Western Canadian resources with new international markets.
Carly Edmundson, President and CEO of CentrePort Canada, noted that the partnership could improve access to several existing trade routes.
These include the Arctic gateway through Churchill, alongside the Mid-Continent, Asia Pacific and eastern gateways.
The agreement comes as Canada seeks to strengthen and diversify its international trade connections.
However, the MoU represents an agreement to explore opportunities rather than a confirmed infrastructure investment.
The organisations have not announced specific project costs, construction commitments or a timeline for developing the proposed corridor.
