PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Becancour
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory. Vessels must use the services of a pilot at Les Escoumins. The pilot is embarked off Les Escoumins and changed at Quebec. Twenty four hours advance notice must be given to the Montreal pilot station of their ETA at Les Escousmins if their point of origin is E of the Strait of Belle-Isle or the Cabot Strait. A second notice must be given 12 hours before ETA and final confirmation 6 hours before arrival. In case of vessels arriving from points W of the Strait of Belle-Isle, the Cabot Strait or the Canso Strait, only 12 hours and 6 hours notice are required. The pilot boat service maintains a 24 hour listening watch on VHF Ch 09.
Key data
updated Jan 2021Size limits
Draught 10.3m, LOA 225.55m, beam 32.26m, 63,574DWT.
Water density
1000.
Tides
Maximum tidal range at Becancour is about 0.3 m. Average flow is 2kts in the central portion of the river and increases to a rate varying between 2-3.3kts closer to dock.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminerie de Becancour Inc. | — | 226 m | 1 |
| Terminaux Portuaires Du Quebec Inc | — | 226 m | 3 |
| Servitank | 10.30 m | 162 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jan 2021Approach
The port and its approaches have been dredged, the outer approach area and the S area to a depth of 10.67m. The area is subject to silting and lesser depths should be expected.
Vessels approach the port facilities from Buoy "C-21" for westbound 'upstream' traffic and from Buoy "C-23" for eastbound 'downstream' traffic.
The approach channel, identical in depth to the main ship channel, leads southwards for about 1nm towards Berth "B-1" and then into a large basin measuring approx 560m by 575m, within which Berths "B-2", "B-3", "B-4" and "B-5" are located.
Traffic schemes and VTS
Vessels should include Vessel's name, position and ETA to next reporting point.
Anchorages
Anchorage is available off the main ship channel in the vicinity of Batiscan, 46°30'N 072°15'W, or off Trois-Rivieres.
Tugs
Use of tugs on arrival or departure is left to the discretion of the ship's Master. These are available from Trois Rivieres, Tel: +1 819 377 4374. The Port Authority may recommend the use of tugs to a ship using its facilities. Any ship which refuses to comply with such recommendation will be denied access to the port facilities.
Mooring
Priority is given to alumina and pet coke vessels at Berth B-5.
Charts and publications
BA 4789. Admiralty Pilot NP65, NP286(5).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
Inspection of ships in Canada
Transport Canada,
Inspection and Operations Standards Division,
Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.
For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):
Tel: +1 613 991 3135
Fax: +1 613 991 4818
Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863
Email: [email protected]
For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):
Tel: +1 613 991 3135
Fax: +1 613 993 8196
Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863
Email: [email protected]
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.
Position: Director General.
Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.
Tel: +1 613 851 6302
Fax: +1 613 949 3906
Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available, including diving services.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: By road tanker from Quebec, Montreal and Trois-Rivieres.
Medical
There are 5 hospitals within a 20km area.
Crew change
To be arranged via agents, respecting Canadian Immigration formalities.
Transport
Nearest airport: There is 1 heliport within the Industrial Park.
International airports are located in Montreal and Quebec, regional airport is located at Trois-Rivieres.
Airport facilities: There are no commercial flights from this airport.
Nearest railway: A railway line along Berth B-4 links the port facilities to the Canadian National network on a daily basis.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Becancour
updated May 2010Where it is
Becancour is located on the S shore of the St Lawrence River within the Province of Quebec.
The port
The port is integrated with an industrial park designed for heavy and light industry, covering 4,000ha. The port is owned by La Societe du Parc Industriel et Portuaire de Becancour, a Quebec government corporation.
There are 5 berths and a Ro-Ro ramp. The port is open throughout the year and the principal materials handled are alumina, coke and magnesite.
Questions about Becancour
What are the pilot arrangements at Becancour?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Becancour in?
Local time at Becancour is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Becancour?
The deepest berth listed is at Servitank: 10.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Becancour?
1000.
Who carries out Port State Control at Becancour?
Port State Control at Becancour: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Becancour?
The UN/LOCODE of Becancour is CABEC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Becancour say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.