Friday May 5 2017 – This summer, a major construction site will be in operation near the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) offices and will be visible from downtown Trois-Rivières. The project consists of extending Pier 10 by 132 metres eastward. This extension will replace the existing Dock 9, which was built in the 1930s, and for many years its obsolescence and configuration was no longer apt to accommodate vessels. This project will increase the outdoor storage space from 3,000 m2 to 12,000 m2.
This project requires investments of $ 14.8 million funded by the Trois-Rivières Port Authority ($ 6.3 million), the Government of Quebec ($ 4.8 million) and the Government of Canada ($ 3.6 million). Private investments are also projected for the handling equipment, the value of which has not yet been established.
Major project for the region
This project is excellent news for the region. Improving the capacity and efficiency of the Port of Trois-Rivières will enable it to better support the development of the regions it serves. The Port of Trois-Rivières is an important economic development tool not only for the Mauricie region, but also for several other regions of Quebec. It supports many regional companies in the shipping of their products and in the supply of their raw materials. As Mr. Boivin explains: “This new 12,000 m2 storage space will make it easier to handle non-standard general merchandise products for the benefit of our regional manufacturing companies”.
Major phases
The wharves used for merchant vessels have a lifespan of over 60 years, so it is uncommon to witness their construction. In 2016, Pier 13, to the west, was rebuilt, but construction went mostly unnoticed by the public. This year, people will have the opportunity to follow the project closely: installation of the piles of the facade, backfilling, compacting, etc.
The company Hamel Construction, which was awarded the construction contract, has already begun preparing the site. During the first few weeks, the contractor will proceed with the demolition and excavation phases. Installation of the stone embankment will begin in June. The most spectacular phase will be carried out in mid-July when the piles and sheet piles of the facade wall will be driven into the river bed.
The Port of Trois-Rivières handles over 3 million metric tonnes of traffic and generates close to 900 direct jobs. It accommodates 55,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 200 merchant and cruise ships annually originating from over 100 different ports in more than 40 countries around the world.
As part of the 18 Canadian Port Authorities and active since 1882, the Port of Trois-Rivières offers a wide range of facilities and services to the maritime industry throughout the year. It is an important player in regional, national and international economic development for major industrial sectors such as the construction industry, aluminum, mining and agri-food.