Port of Trois-Rivières and Logistec collaborate on innovative noise-reduction project

The Port of Trois-Rivières and Logistec are playing a central role in a research project focused on mitigating noise pollution in port environments. Led by the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), the initiative deploys cutting-edge technology that addresses noise at its source without disrupting operational efficiency.

At the core of the project is an intelligent feedback system powered by artificial intelligence and a 5G sensor network. This system will monitor noise from port equipment and handling vehicles in real time. Sensors will be placed both on the machinery and within nearby residential neighborhoods to predict potential noise exceedances and suggest precise mitigation measures.

For the Port of Trois-Rivières and Logistec, this project represents a tangible step forward in their efforts to reduce impacts on waterfront communities. Their participation will enable field trials, which are essential for validating the system's effectiveness under real port operating conditions. This collaboration also paves the way for applying this solution to other ports or industrial facilities facing similar noise challenges.

According to Professor Marc-André Gaudreau, who leads the project, urban ports pose a particular challenge due to their continuous operations, generating noise that can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating among residents. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on reducing activities—a solution with significant economic consequences—this technology aims to maintain operational performance while reducing noise at its source.

The system is being developed at the National Integrated Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing (CNIMI), where a multidisciplinary team of researchers, professionals, and students are working to create relevant solutions that can be adapted to various port environments.