In 2013, Port of Trois-Rivières handled 2.7 million tonnes of cargo. Bulk cargo (excluding grain) increased by 6 per cent, from 1.3 million tonnes in 2012 to 1.4 million tonnes. In addition, general cargo increased by 11 per cent, from 151,000 to 167,000 tonnes. Liquid bulk traffic remained stable at 0.3 million tonnes.
The Port handled lower volumes of grain in 2013, which dropped from 1.6 to 0.8 million metric tonnes. This drop is attributed to the end of the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly, which disrupted markets in 2013. This situation is not unique to the Port of Trois-Rivières, as other grain terminals on the St. Lawrence River have also experienced declines. Nevertheless, for 2013 grain volumes at the port still represented an increase of 100 per cent over those achieved prior to completion of Phase I of On Course for 2020, the Port’s development plan. Investments in the Port’s infrastructure have thus strengthened the Port’s competitiveness in this sector. The grain market is currently adjusting to the new commercial realities, and traffic is expected to recover in 2014. The number of ships that visited the port decreased from 238 to 215.
“Considering the strong growth of the past few years, despite an uncertain global economic environment, we are pleased with these results,” said Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO. He also added that perspectives for development of new cargoes are favourable and that work related to Phase II of On Course for 2020 are on the drawing board, and should commence shortly.
Martine Gravel, Vice-Chair, highlighted the excellent collaboration between users and the Port with respect to development of new markets and their respective efforts to improve both productivity and their environmental record. “The Port of Trois-Rivières is an important economic pillar. I can assure you that it will continue to work with regional stakeholders and the port community to maximize the positive regional impact of its activities,” she added.