Trois-Rivières, January 8, 2020 – The M/V Whistler is the first vessel to call the Port of Trois-Rivières in 2020. It docked at the Port on January 5 at 8 p.m. after a 19-day crossing of the Atlantic. With its 20 crew members of mainly Filipino, but also Montenegrin, Croatian, Hellenic and Ukrainian nationality, the vessel left the port of Valletta, Malta on December 17, 2019. Carrying on board 34,711 metric tonnes of de-icing salt loaded in Egypt eight days earlier, the cargo is destined for Sable Marco in Pont-Rouge and unloading operations are handled by Somavrac.
To receive the title of first vessel, the vessel must arrive in Trois-Rivières from an overseas port without making a stopover at another Canadian port and perform a loading or unloading operation at the Port of Trois-Rivières.
“We are pleased to mark this 54th ceremony of the 1st vessel of the year by presenting the captain of the M/V Whistler, Mr. Vladimir Milovic and chief engineer, Mr. Filip Vuckovic, a giclée reproduction of the painting Un port, une équipe, produced by Mauricie artist Ms. Caroline St Pierre, as well as a basket of regional products”, said Mr. Michel Morin member of the board of directors of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA).
Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the TRPA, took the opportunity to highlight the quality of the work carried out by Somavrac and the Trois-Rivières longshoremen, responsible for the unloading operations of the M/V Whistler.
About the M/V Whistler
The M/V Whistler is a bulk carrier built in 2007 sailing under the Liberian flag. Its length overall (LOA) is 199.9 m with a beam (width) of 23.7 m. It is currently docked at section 13 of the Port of Trois-Rivières for a period of four days. During its stay in Trois-Rivières, it is represented by Lower St-Lawrence Ocean Agencies Ltd.
Navigating ice-covered waters: a collective effort
In addition to the work by crew members, winter navigation is made possible through the efforts of many actors, including the Coast Guard and its icebreaker fleet, as well as St. Lawrence River pilots. The Port of Trois-Rivières also took the opportunity to recognize their important contribution.
About the Port of Trois-Rivières
As part of the 17 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. The Port is an important player in regional, national and international economic development for major industrial sectors such as the aluminum industry, forestry and agri-food. The Port of Trois-Rivières accommodates 55,000 trucks, 11,000 railcars and more than 250 merchant and cruise ships annually originating from over 100 different ports in more than 40 countries around the world. It handles over 3.5 million metric tonnes of traffic and generates nearly 1,000 direct jobs.
Source:
Sara Dubé
Director, Public Affairs
Trois-Rivières Port Authority
Office: 819 378-2887, ext. 207
Cell: 819 244-7191