PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Trois-Rivieres
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. Pilots board inbound vessels at Anse-Aux-Basques (near Les Escoumins) to bring the vessel as far as the port of Quebec where pilots are exchanged for the trip to Trois-Rivieres.
Key data
updated Jul 2020Size limits
Draught 10.7m, LOA 230m, beam unrestricted, 63,519DWT.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area. For ships over 100m in length, winter Dec 16 to Feb 15.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Cargo Terminal | 10.70 m | 226 m | 3 |
| Solid & Liquid Bulk Terminal | 10.70 m | 230 m | 5 |
| Elevators Terminal | 10.40 m | 230 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2015Approach
The berths at Trois-Rivieres are approached through the main ship channel of St Lawrence River. The distance by river from Quebec is 67nm. The channel continues through the harbour for a distance of 8nm between E and W limits and is well marked by lightbuoys.
Port limits
East limit: A line drawn from Point Lottinville (46°24.0'N 072°27.0'W), on the N shore to the vicinity of Pointe de Becancour, on the opposite shore.
West limit: A line drawn from a position on the N shore, 0.8nm SW of Pointe-des-Ormes Pilot Station (46°18.0'N 072°35.0'W), to the S shore.
Traffic schemes and VTS
The Montreal Vessel Traffic Services centre controls traffic in the port.
Anchorages
The anchorage area for the port is marked by buoys and located at the SW end of the harbour, between Pointe-des-Ormes Pilot Station and the upper harbour limit. Numbered anchor berths are allocated by the Port Manager on request. During the winter season these berths are not safe.
Restrictions
The depth of the channel is 11m.
A set of power transmission lines with a vertical clearance of 45m, or of 38m under severe icing conditions, span the St Lawrence River above the main berthing area. A bridge with a vertical clearance under the main span of 48m crosses the harbour farther up the river.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Mooring
Mooring lines: Uniform thickness throughout, fitted with an eye not less than 2.4m in length and of sufficient strength to check the vessel.
Anchors: Vessels over 110m must have an operational stern anchor. Orange anchor marking buoys of an approved type, fitted with 22m of suitable line, must be secured to all anchors.
Charts and publications
BA 4789. Canadian 1313. Admiralty Pilot NP65, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010Communications
Communications: Messages can be passed through Quebec "VCC" throughout 24 hours.
Communication is possible through Inmarsat.
VHF: Marine Radio Station: Callsign "Channel Montreal".
St Lawrence River Marine Traffic Control, callsign "VBK Trois-Rivieres".
Trois-Rivieres: Ch 13.
Notice of readiness
As per Charter Party or upon docking with first line ashore.
Health
Trois-Rivieres is a port of entry. A port doctor is available on the service vessels.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Flags
State flag at the stern, Canadian flag on the mast.
Notices and regulations
Vessels manoeuvring or otherwise underway in Trois-Rivieres harbour, and also while at an alongside berth or at anchor, are subject to the Ports Canada Operating By-law. A copy of these regulations may be obtained from the Port Authority.
In the harbour a specific speed limit of 7kts is in force.
The Port Authority has wide powers in the harbour, and may order vessels to move, to use tugs, to berth or anchor in locations which it designates. Certain restrictions on berthing and anchoring are set forth, along with the requirement for Masters of vessels to inform the Port Authority in advance of their intention to berth in the harbour.
Except in an emergency no vessel is permitted to anchor within the harbour without prior permission from the Port Manager and then only in the place assigned.
Explosives: Vessels carrying explosives are not permitted to berth or anchor within the port limits.
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 Jun 2020Repairs
Available. General hull and machinery repairs can be undertaken.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at all berths.
Bunkering: Fuel oil at Berth Nos 16-20.
Medical
Available in the city.
Crew change
Crew change can be arranged.
Transport
Nearest airport: 15km.
Airport facilities: Domestic airport links city with the major airports in Montreal and Quebec City.
Nearest railway: Quebec-Gatineau serves port area.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs and 1300-1700hrs. Overtime available.
About Trois-Rivieres
updated Jun 2026Where it is
The port of Trois-Rivieres is located on the St Lawrence River, 150km equal distance from the ports of Montreal and Quebec.
The port
The port handles a variety of cargoes such as: Grain, alumina, coke, fertiliser and chemicals.
The port has year round navigation.
Traffic
Approx. 2,600,000t of cargo, 4,799 passengers and 200 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Trois-Rivieres
What are the pilot arrangements at Trois-Rivieres?
Compulsory. Pilots board inbound vessels at Anse-Aux-Basques (near Les Escoumins) to bring the vessel as far as the port of Quebec where pilots are exchanged for the trip to Trois-Rivieres.
What time zone is Trois-Rivieres in?
Local time at Trois-Rivieres 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 Trois-Rivieres?
The deepest berth listed is at General Cargo Terminal: 10.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Trois-Rivieres?
1000.
Which load line zone is Trois-Rivieres in?
North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area.
Who carries out Port State Control at Trois-Rivieres?
Port State Control at Trois-Rivieres: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Trois-Rivieres?
The UN/LOCODE of Trois-Rivieres is CATRR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Trois-Rivieres 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.
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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.