Mid-way between Montreal and Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River, the Port of Trois-Rivières has inaugurated a breakbulk terminal operated by Logistec Corporation that entailed investments exceeding US$22 million (C$27 million). Ninety per cent of the port’s three million metric tons of cargo is related to international trade, with the breakbulk component steadily rising.

Among government officials attending the recent ceremony were federal transport minister Marc Garneau, federal international trade minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Jean D’Amour, Québec Minister for Maritime Affairs.

“This terminal will allow us to improve the competitiveness of businesses in the region and shipping on the St. Lawrence,” said Gaétan Boivin, president and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA).

Rodney Corrigan, Executive vp of operations of Logistec, said the large-scale infrastructure “will enable Logistec to provide superior services and thus better contribute to their competitiveness in foreign markets.” Based in Montreal, Logistec operates 58 terminals in 35 ports throughout Canada and the United States.

Jean D’Amour recalled how the Québec government has made the marine sector a priority, implementing its Maritime Strategy “in close collaboration with the various industry stakeholders.”

Federal minister Garneau described Trois-Rivières as “one of Canada’s strategic ports.”

Various government and industry representatives attended the inauguration of the terminal operated by Logistec. Photo credit: Eric Massicotte
Various government and industry representatives attended the inauguration of the terminal operated by Logistec. Photo credit: Eric Massicotte

Construction of Dock 9 was completed last December, thus finalizing the new Breakbulk Terminal. This new dock was part of the development project which included outdoor storage areas 9, 10 and 11, the construction of warehouse 9 and the upgrading of road and rail access completed during Phase I of the On Course for 2020 modernization blueprint.
The Government of Canada’s contribution totalled C$7.8 million, the Government of Quebec contributed C$6 million, while the TRPA invested C$10 million. Port users invested C$3.5 million.

The terminal includes Piers 9, 10, and 11, providing 36,000 square metres of outdoor storage and three warehouses totaling 18,000 square metres. Efficient access is provided both by rail and by road. 

The construction of Dock 9 represented the final segment in the On Course for 2020 modernization plan put forward by the TRPA in 2008. In addition to the development of the Breakbulk Terminal, this plan also included investments in other port terminals, in its road and rail network and in the development of green spaces. It has involved overall capital expenditures of C$131.6 million and was completed three years ahead of schedule.