Port of Trois-Rivières welcomes first vessel of 2025

The Vectis Progress became the first ship of 2025 to call at the Port of Trois-Rivières, arriving Jan. 2 at 3:15 p.m. after a 13-day transatlantic crossing. 

The vessel departed from the Port of Pasaia, Spain, Dec. 20, 2024, carrying a shipment of steel beams from ArcelorMittal. The cargo, destined for the construction industry, is being handled by Logistec, a long-time operator at the port. 

The ship’s 13 crew members hail from the Philippines, Russia and Romania. To earn the distinction of being the port’s first vessel of the year, a ship must arrive from an overseas port without stopping at another Canadian port and must perform a loading or unloading operation at Trois-Rivières. 

During a ceremony marking the event’s 59th edition, Captain Cornel Naziru and Chief Engineer Roman Shaparaev were presented with baskets of local products and a giclée reproduction titled Un port, une équipe, created by local artist Caroline St-Pierre. 

Gaétan Boivin, president and CEO of the Port of Trois-Rivières, highlighted Logistec’s 70-year presence at the port. The company handles a variety of general cargo, including cocoa beans, paper pulp, wind turbine components and steel products. 

The Vectis Progress is operated by Fednav on its Falline shipping line, which connects Europe with the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes network.