The Port of Trois-Rivières welcomes the first ocean-going vessel of 2019, the Ellensborg

Trois-Rivières, January 8, 2019 – The Ellensborg is the first ocean-going vessel from an overseas port to directly reach the Port of Trois-Rivières non-stop in 2019. It reached the port on January 7th, at 2:24 p.m., following a 25-day Atlantic voyage. The vessel, with its fifteen crew members of Thai nationality, left the port of Lüderitz in Namibia on December 14, 2018 with a cargo of 11,000 metric tons of zinc unloaded by Somavrac and destined for CEZinc.

Ms. Danielle St-Amand, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA), explained: “To receive the title, the vessel must arrive in Trois-Rivières from an overseas port without making a stopover and perform a loading or unloading operation at the port.”

During the 53rd ceremony marking the arrival of the first vessel of the year at the Port of Trois- Rivières, Captain Meemongkhon Choorith and Chief Engineer Singh-Sa Suthep, were presented with a giclée reproduction of the painting Un port, une équipe, produced by Mauricie artist Ms. Caroline St-Pierre and a basket of local products.

Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the TRPA, reminded that Somavrac handles mining products for various mines and refining plants located in Quebec, Ontario and the United States, from its facilities at the Port of Trois-Rivières.

About the Ellensborg

The general cargo vessel Ellensborg was built in 2011 and is currently sailing under the Panama flag. It has an overall length of 138.5 m and a width of 21.19 m. The vessel is currently moored at section 20 of the port of Trois-Rivières for approximately four days. During its stay in Trois-Rivières, it will be represented by Lower St. Lawrence Ocean Agencies Ltd.

Navigating ice-covered waters: the challenge continues

The ceremony highlighting the arrival of the first vessel of the year brings forward the crew members who navigate on the St. Lawrence River during winter. Winter navigation is now possible, more than ever, thanks to the efforts of many actors in the river system. These include the Canadian Coast Guard, whose ice breakers keep the channel open between Quebec and Montreal during the winter.

Winter navigation, necessary adjustments

To navigate on the St. Lawrence during the winter, the ships lighten their cargo. They also need a reinforced hull, an adapted engine water cooling system to prevent ice build-up and be equipped with high-performance navigation equipment, such as high-efficiency radar systems, to facilitate their passage through the ice.

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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Photo (from left to right):
Danielle St-Amand, Chair of the Board of Directors of the TRPA
Meemongkhon Choorith, Captain of the Ellensborg
Caroline St-Pierre, Mauricie artist
Singh-Sa Suthep, Chief Engineer of Ellensborg
Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the TRPA

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