New Member Interview: Port of Baie-Comeau – a port close to its inhabitants

In the Manicouagan – Uapishka Biosphere Reserve in Quebec (Canada), the port of Baie-Comeau stands out as a beacon of diversity. The regional port plays an important role on the Saint Lawrence as a port of call for international cruise ships, and as a centre for manufacturing and export of finished and semi-finished products. The port also captures a significant proportion of eastern Canada’s grain exports, and has one of the country’s largest grain terminals. Its city, Baie-Comeau, possesses a unique heritage derived from its industrial history and offers adventure activities based on the natural environment that surrounds the built area. The port is a well-established part of the local community, and has taken numerous steps to develop its operations while ensuring that its infrastructures continue to serve the public. The port is popular with citizens and visitors interested in groundfishing or observing marine mammals. With recently refreshed governance and a new-look business model, the port is opening a new chapter in the maritime history of Baie-Comeau. Interview with Karine Otis, President & CEO of the Port of Baie-Comeau. “In brief” Karine Otis, President & CEO of the Port of Baie-Comeau. AIVP - You recently joined our association. Can you briefly describe your organisation for us? Our port is different from most other Canadian ports, as we are a private operation, but are governed by a non-profit organisation with a public interest mission. In 2021, our organisation acquired the port from the Canadian government with the aim of relaunching it and making it a lever for the region’s sustainable development. Essentially, the move has enabled the port to act as a catalyst for growth and contribute to the expansion of Canada’s maritime industry, while generating benefits for our local community. Baie-Comeau is a centre for cargo and passenger transfer in eastern Quebec, as the city lies at…