Trois-Rivières, January 7th, 2016 – The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) paints a positive picture for 2015 in terms of cargo traffic, hosting cruise ships, new development projects and community involvement.

Cargo traffic

The Port of Trois-Rivières welcomed 203 ships in 2015 for a total of 3 million metric tons (MTM) of cargo. General cargo traffic increased by 50 %, reaching 140,000 MT. Liquid bulk traffic remained at 300,000 MT. Solid bulk traffic decreased from 3.3 MTM to 2.6 MTM. This decrease is mainly due to a decline in grain traffic. It is worth noting that in 2015, the Canadian Wheat Board transferred ownership of the grain terminal to the G3 Canada Ltd. A steady increase of this traffic is expected in 2016.

Cruise ships

One major highlight of 2015 is the sharp increase in international cruise ships traffic for a total of 16 stopover and 7000 passengers. It should be noted that Trois-Rivières welcomed its first two international cruise ships in 2012. This success is due to the close collaboration between the TRPA and Tourisme Trois-Rivières. We note in this respect that the TRPA is contributing to the funding of the maritime terminal that will receive passengers in 2016. “We are pleased with the success in the cruise ship sector and its benefits for the region’s recreational and tourism industry,” says Me Martine Gravel, Vice-Chair of the Board of the Port of Trois-Rivières. “These results show the potential of joint efforts between the port and its community and we are confident that many similar opportunities will arise in the coming months,” she adds.

Phase II of on course for 2020

Another highlight of 2015 was the funding announcement for projects related to Phase II of the Port of Trois-Rivières development plan, On Course for 2020. A total of $35M will be invested in the infrastructures between now and the end of 2016, to which the users will later add another $15M in cargo handling equipment. “The new shed 16 and 24 have been delivered, shed 25 will be ready at the start of 2016, and the new Terminal 13 will be finished by the end of the year,” states Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Port of Trois-Rivières. “This work will complete the main part of On Course for 2020, three years ahead of schedule. We take pride in these achievements and wish to thank the members of the port community as well as the regional community for their unfailing support” he adds.

Integrating the Port into the urban fabric

In 2015, the TRPA kept on working on the embellishment and improvement of the interface area between the port infrastructures, and downtown. Trees were planted on the edges of the storage areas along Notre-Dame Street. Work is underway to build a pedestrian walkway that will connect Saint-Georges Street and Parc Hector-Louis-Langevin. The port built this park in 2010 for the benefit visitors and the citizens of Trois-Rivières.

Community involvement: charity that make a difference

In the past year, the Port of Trois-Rivières has helped over sixty organizations achieved their mission. These organizations operate in the cultural, health, education, sports and community service sectors.

 

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 The Port of Trois-Rivières, which is one of the 18 Canadian Port Authorities and has been active since 1882, offers the marine industry a wide range of facilities and services. It is a significant agent for regional, national and international economic development, serving major industrial sectors such as aluminium, forestry and agri-food.

 

Every year, the Port of Trois-Rivières handles 55,000 trucks, 11,000 freight cars and over 200 merchant and cruise ships from around the world. It handles approximately 4 million metric tons and generates close to 1,000 direct jobs.

 

Releases are available on our web site: www.porttr.com

 

Source:        

Virginie Deschambeault

Director of Communications

Trois-Rivières Port Authority

Office: 819-378-2887, ext. 207

 

Information: 

Jacques Paquin

Vice-president, Marketing & Business Development

Trois-Rivières Port Authority

819-378-2887, ext. 205

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