Planned major works cause dry bulk traffic drop in Trois-Rivières

(Posted on 10/02/25)

In 2024, 3.5 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo transited through the Port of Trois-Rivières, Canada broken down as 2.9 MTM of dry bulk, 274,000 MT of liquid bulk and 393,000 MT of general cargo. Compared to 2023, this represents a decrease of 16.7%, which can be explained by the major works that began in the port in 2024.

The Port of Trois-Rivières offers a wide range of facilities and services to the maritime industry throughout the year. The Port is an important player in the regional, national and international economic development of major industrial sectors such as aluminum, forestry and agri-food.

The largest construction project in the history of the Port of Trois-Rivières began last May and involves several phases: the reconstruction of Pier 17, the filling of the basin, the construction of a new Pier 16 and the development of the adjacent terminals. The section of Notre-Dame Centre Street within the port perimeter also underwent a complete overhaul, increasing its load-bearing capacity and width, burying cables and replacing sections of the City of Trois-Rivières' underground rainwater and sewer pipes. In addition, a new gatehouse, accessible from SaintPhilippe Street, has been built to facilitate access to the port and improve the flow of road traffic.

"Although significant, this drop in traffic was anticipated and planned for. The results achieved are in line with our forecasts and we are very pleased with them. I would like to thank the entire port community and the TRPA team who have had to work hard to complete the work while maintaining efficient and sustainable port operations.

Thank you to our handlers, Alcoa, G3 Canada, Groupe Somavrac, Logistec and QSL; to the longshoremen and all the workers at the Port; and to our customers and many other collaborators,’ said Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Port of Trois-Rivières.

In addition to the launch of this major project, 2024 saw the completion of other initiatives outlined in the On Course for 2030 strategic plan. Over the summer, an Atikamek artwork was unveiled in First Nations Park. The work, entitled Kwei Mantew!, meaning ‘Hello visitors!’, was created by artist Jacques Newashish, supported by sculptor Julien Granger. This second work, installed in the Park, bears witness to the recognition of Atikamek culture and is rich in meaning, including peace and reconciliation.

In addition, the port collaboration set in 2022 with the port authorities of Montréal and Québec has been broadened to include those of Saguenay and Sept-Îles. The integration of these two ports marked a turning point in the creation of an extended maritime corridor along the Saguenay and St Lawrence rivers, consolidating the common objective of improving port performance, resilience and efficiency. This partnership underlines the key role of ports in maintaining the competitiveness of international and interprovincial trade.

Each year, the Port of Trois-Rivières handles some 60,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 240 commercial and cruise ships from about 100 ports in more than 40 countries around the world. It handles 3.5 million tonnes and generates nearly $220 million in economic spin-offs and more than 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.