Bulk up sharply at Trois-Rivières

(Posted on 22/01/19)

In 2018, the Canadian Port of Trois-Rivières handled 3.8 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo. This represents an increase of 47% compared to 2017 and a new record that eclipses the 3.7 MTM of traffic realized in 2014.

While liquid bulk traffic remained stable at nearly 300,000 tonnes, solid bulk and general cargo traffic increased sharply from 2.2 MMT to 3.1 MMT and from 73,000 MT to 346,000 MT respectively. In total, 256 ships docked at the Port, including 24 cruise ships.

The Port of Trois Rivières is an important player in economic development at the regional, national and international levels for major industrial sectors such as aluminium, forestry and agri-food.

“The Port's installations, modernized as part of On Course for 2020 development plan, delivered their full potential during 2018. For example, the general cargo terminal, inaugurated at the beginning of the year, was quickly put into operation and its use was significantly higher than we expected. This record year is also a result of the Port’s partnerships and the workers who have worked tirelessly. I would like to thank them for their enduring contribution,” said Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA).

Last June, the Port of Trois-Rivières, the City of Trois-Rivières and Innovation et Développement Économique Trois-Rivières welcomed an international delegation of nearly 100 participants. This event was organized as part of the annual International Association of Cities and Ports. This visit was an opportunity for the participants to recognize the efforts undertaken by the City and the Port to enhance the Trois-Rivières waterfront area.

In August 2018, the TRPA mandated Cible Recherche to conduct a survey of the Trois-Rivières population. More than 500 people responded to the survey by telephone or Internet. In addition to being recognized as a vital economic development driver for the Mauricie region, respondents indicated their appreciation for the Port's current growth and recognized that it offers good prospects for the future.

In addition to their continued investments in port infrastructure, the On Course for 2030 plan aims to fully deploy the potential of the urban character of the Port. Based on the principles of sustainable development, On Course for 2030 will focus on the vision: “To be an innovative urban port, generating growth, at the heart of a competitive supply chain”.

The conclusion of collaboration agreements marks the first step in the implementation of this new plan. First, with Innovation et Développement économique Trois-Rivières, three joint sectors of intervention have been identified: the industrial port area, international cruises, the waterfront area near downtown, and resources from both organizations have already begun work. With the Port of Montreal, the TRPA has ratified a collaborative agreement focused on information sharing and the exchange of strategies and best practices. The agreement will ultimately increase the productivity, competitiveness, efficiency and safety of the port services and procedures for both port authorities. Four areas of work are targeted: maritime operations, environmental management, port logistics and city-port relations.

“The Port of Trois-Rivières can rely on a solid foundation to achieve the On Course for 2030 plan and we are enthusiastically starting its implementation with the collaboration of our partners,” concluded Boivin.