Alcoa and the Trois Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) officially inaugurated Alcoa’s new facilities at Wharf 17, marking an important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations. These modernized installations now support the unloading of alumina and calcined coke destined for the Deschambault Smelter.
The event, held in the presence of local partners, included a video presentation showcasing the project’s development and the integration of the new equipment.
Made possible through a $71.8 million investment by Alcoa, the project includes the acquisition of two fully electric, closed loop pneumatic ship unloaders. Delivered by ship in fall 2025, these systems now provide increased unloading efficiency, improved operational stability, and a significant reduction in environmental impact. Since their commissioning in January, nine vessel unloadings have already been completed successfully.
Commented Pascal Rochette, Plant Manager, Alcoa – Deschambault Smelter: “This major investment at the Port of Trois-Rivières strengthens the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of our smelter, while enabling us to enhance the handling of our raw materials through advanced equipment and more sustainable practices.
“Delivered in compliance with the highest health, safety, and environmental standards, the project has also helped train our teams and build critical expertise for the future. This achievement reflects the quality of collaboration between our employees, the Port Authority and our partners, as well as our commitment to contributing responsibly to regional development and to building a legacy of excellence for future generations.”
Through a long-term agreement, the handling area at Wharf 17 is now exclusively dedicated to Alcoa’s operations, ensuring stability, safety, and continuity for years to come.
The work on Wharfs 16 and 17, carried out by the Port of Trois-Rivières and its partners, represents a total investment of $312 million, including contributions from the Government of Canada ($87 million) and the Government of Quebec ($41 million), announced in 2025. The overall modernization project is progressing as planned. As for Wharf 17, the remaining work is limited to the installation of electrical conduits for a light pole, as well as the deployment of fiber optic infrastructure. All other infrastructure on the pier has been completed.
“With Wharf 17, the Port of Trois-Rivières is demonstrating that the modernization of port infrastructure is a concrete driver of industrial transition,” said Anick Métivier, President and CEO, Trois-Rivières Port Authority. ”By supporting Alcoa in integrating state-of-the-art equipment with a low environmental footprint, we are strengthening our role as a strategic partner to major industries while building a more efficient, sustainable, and resolutely forward-looking port.”
The inauguration marks an important step for Alcoa’s supply chain in Québec and highlights the strength of collaboration between industrial, governmental, and port partners.
(Photos by Cédric Jacob of Anick Métivier with Pascal Rochette, and of one of the ship unloaders at the Alcoa facility)