Monday January 9 2017 – The Sunda is the first ocean-going vessel from an overseas port to dock at the Port of Trois-Rivières in 2017. It reached the port on Sunday January 8, at 6:51 p.m., following an 11-day non-stop Atlantic crossing. It left the Port of Bilbao in Spain on December 28, 2016.
During the 51st ceremony marking the arrival of the first vessel of the year at the Port of Trois-Rivières, the captain and the ship’s chief engineer, Messrs. Ioannis Sevastou and Delfin Mendoza Do Chavez were presented with a giclée reproduction of the painting À bon port, by Mauricie artist Caroline St-Pierre.
Mr. Cléo Marchand, Chairmain of the Board of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) explains that a few other vessels have docked at the Port since January 1st, but none qualified for the title. Indeed, it must be an ocean-going vessel that departs from an overseas port, makes a non-stop crossing to Trois-Rivières and performs an unloading operation at the port.”
About the Sunda
The Sunda flies the Liberian flag. It is operated by Seastar Shipmanagement and chartered by Canfornav Ltd. During its stay in Trois-Rivières, it is represented by the Lower St-Lawrence Ocean Agencies Ltd., while the cargo loading is handled by G3. The Sunda and its twenty Greek and Filipino crew members are in Trois-Rivières to load Canadian grain. The ship will remain moored in section 16 for approximately three days. Built in 2010, the bulk cargo vessel is 186 meters in length and 23.75 meters in width with a load capacity of 29,800 metric tons.
How do Ships Navigate in the Winter?
Gaétan Boivin, president and CEO of the TRPA, notes: “The crews accomplish amazing feats by navigating on the St. Lawrence River in the winter, even though the ships are equipped for this.” The ships have a reinforced hull, an adapted engine that heats the water used by its cooling system (to prevent ice build-up) and are equipped with high-performance navigation systems, like radar, to detect the presence of ice. They must also lighten their cargo.
About the Port of Trois-Rivières
The Port of Trois-Rivières is a rapidly expanding strategic port, open year round, providing tailored solutions for the transhipment of bulk products and general cargo. The port also has excellent railway and road connections linking it to all the main North American networks and enabling it to reach one of the largest markets in the world. It plays an important role in regional national and international economic development.