Location

Port de Becancour (46°24'N., 72°23'W.) is situated on the S side of the St. Lawrence River, about 3 miles ENE of the mouth of the Riviere Becancour. The port and its approaches have been dredged; the outer approach area to a depth of 10.3m and the S area to a depth of 10.7m. The area is subject to silting and lesser depths should be expected. Vessels up to 244m long, with a maximum draft of 10.67m, can be accommodated.

The port is equipped for handling bulk, general, and containerized cargo, and operates all year round. Imports are alumina, bauxite, chrome ore, coal, coke, magnetite, quartz, salt calcium, sodium chloride, and steel coils. Exports are alumin-um, bricks, caustic liquids, lumber, and magnesium.

Depths—Limitations.—The ro-ro ramp is 22m wide.

Aspect.—An "optical guidance system" is used as range lights for the basin approach; they are in line bearing 167.5°. This system, situated near the shore SE of Berth 5, consists of a guidance panel showing illuminated directional arrows which become vertical lines when the ship is on the indicated course. The "optical guidance system" is operational only for vessels approaching the wharf and allowed to use the harbor installations.

Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory, the pilot being embarked off Escoumins and changed at Quebec. Tugs are not compulsory
but are available from Trois Rivieres.

Anchorage.—Anchorage is available in the dredged area off the berths.