QSL considered adding a floating dock to the extension of Pier 19N at the Port of Sorel to meet the growing demand for access to multipurpose warehouses in this part of the port.

QSL mandated the Maritime Simulation and Resource Center (MSRC) to conduct a series of approach, berthing and departure manœuvre simulations in order to validate the feasibility of this project.

Two vessels representative of those calling at the port were selected for these simulations.

For the purposes of this study, 22 manoeuvres were performed by Corporation du Saint-Laurent central pilots and the tugs were manned by tug masters familiar with operations in the Port of Sorel.