Thursday January 25 2018 – The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) reports positive results for 2017 as it accommodated 168 vessels, including 12 cruise ships. In 2017, traffic at the Port of Trois-Rivières decreased by approximately 180,000 metric tonnes to 2.6 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo, bringing its profits to $ 1.1 million.
While liquid bulk traffic remained stable at 0.3 million tonnes, solid bulk traffic was down by 100,000 metric tonnes to 2.2 million tonnes and general cargo traffic from 174,000 tonnes to 73,000 tonnes. As Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the TRPA, explained, “A combination of factors has temporarily affected the traffic of several industries served by the Port. We are confident that the situation will recover in 2018. The terminal and the extension of Pier 10, our newest infrastructure, are now fully operational and should begin to reach their potential starting in 2018.”
In 2017, with three years ahead of schedule, the Port completed its On Course for 2020 modernization plan. The overall project will have required investments of $ 131.6 million, of which $ 49 million was financed by the TRPA, $ 22.2 million by the Government of Canada, $ 8.2 million by the Government of Quebec and $ 52.2 million by the private sector. In 2018, the Port will be presenting its next development plan.
New 12,000 square metre terminal along with two major contracts
In 2017, the Dock 10 extension project increased the terminal’s outdoor storage area to 12,000 m2, an investment of $ 14.8 million. The TRPA has entered into an agreement with Logistec Stevedoring Inc. for the lease and operation of its general cargo terminal, which includes the extension of Dock 10. This terminal includes three warehouses totalling 17,943 m2 and 36,000 m2 of outdoor storage space. With its three vessel berths, as well as excellent road and rail connections, this terminal is a high quality intermodal platform. Logistec maintains a fleet of cargo handling equipment which effectively meets shippers’ needs. As Mr. Boivin explained, “Thanks to these investments; the Port of Trois-Rivières has become the premiere destination for the transportation of general cargo.”
Earlier in the year, the TRPA and Groupe Somavrac signed a long-term agreement to operate Terminal 13. This 23,000-square-metre terminal, along with Dock 13, was redesigned in 2016. Somavrac has expanded its range of services with this agreement. In addition to its two vessel berths, Terminal 13 provides an outdoor storage area capable of receiving a wide variety of products. It is very well served by rail and road and has a network of pipelines linking it to reservoirs further north. It also facilitates access to two nearby dry bulk warehouses. It has therefore become a very versatile multimodal storage platform. As Mr. Boivin explained, “We are proud to be able to rely on partners such as Logistec and Somavrac to provide Port customers with cargo handling services that meet the highest quality standards”.
Nine-year collective agreement for longshoremen
In February, a new collective agreement was signed between the Maritime Employers Association and the CUPE 1375, representing the 103 longshoremen at the ports of Trois-Rivières and Bécancour. As Mr. Boivin explained, “We are pleased with the signing of this new 9-year agreement. This will ensure long-term stability. The agreement includes greater flexibility in working hours, which will better meet customer needs and improve efficiency in handling increases in tonnage. This agreement has also created new quality jobs, which is great news for the region.”
Coup de cœur – Fierté régionale award at the Gala Radisson
In 2017, the Port of Trois-Rivières received the Radisson Coup de cœur – Fierté régionale award for its significant contribution to the city of Trois-Rivières’ influence and regional vitality. This Radisson is awarded by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Trois-Rivières to a company that stands out for its noteworthy contribution to the economic development of the city, be it through job creation, business performance, achievements, redevelopment projects or its contribution to the development of a niche for the future.
Involvement within the community
In addition to acting as a lever for economic development, the Port believes in the importance of being involved in its community by supporting organizations and foundations in the areas of culture, health, education, sports and community services. This commitment was evidenced in 2017 by the TRPA and its staff’s participation in many causes such as the Grand Défi Pierre-Lavoie, the Desgagnés Kayak Challenge, DansEncore and the RSTR Foundation. In 2017, the APTR also welcomed the Tall Ships as part of the celebrations marking Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, as well as a traveling exhibit of artistic photographs of maritime infrastructures arranged as an art gallery inside a container.