2018 Year End Results: Record tonnage at the Port of Trois-Rivières!

Trois-Rivières, January 18, 2019 – In 2018, the 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’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).

The Port and the City of Trois-Rivières and their international influence

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.

The Port recognized as a driving force for economic development

In August 2018, the TRPA mandated Cible Recherche to conduct a survey of the Trois-Rivères 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. Respondents also noted that they would like to see more cruise ships calling Trois-Rivières and that the Port should continue developing its downtown properties for commercial, residential or recreational tourism development. With the Port’scommitment to the community and its partners, it has already integrated these elements into itsOn Course for 2030 plan launched last October 10.

On Course for 2030

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 Mr Boivin.

About the Port of Trois-Rivières

As one of 18 Canada Port Authorities, and active since 1882, the Port of Trois Rivières offers a wide range of facilities and services to the marine industry at all seasons. It 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 of Trois-Rivières welcomes 55,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 200 merchant and cruise ships annually from some 100 ports in more than 40 countries around the world. It handles more than 3 million metric tons of traffic and generates nearly 1000 direct jobs.

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