Halifax port tariffs are the fees published by the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) for vessels and cargo using the Port of Halifax, including harbour dues, berthage and wharfage. Container terminal handling and storage are charged separately by terminal operators and shipping lines. Rates change periodically, so check the HPA's current tariff before budgeting.
Key takeaways
- HPA tariff: harbour dues, berthage, wharfage and related fees.
- Terminal and carrier charges: handling, storage, demurrage and detention are separate.
- Halifax's strength: deep, ice-free water, short sailing times to Europe and rail links to Central Canada and the US Midwest.
- Avoidable costs mostly come from containers staying too long on terminal.
Why Halifax
The Port of Halifax is an ice-free, deep-water port on the Atlantic, one of the first North American calls for many Europe–North America services, and linked by CN rail to Montreal, Toronto and Chicago. Container terminals operate at the South End (PSA Halifax) and Fairview Cove.
Main fees in the Halifax Port Authority tariff
| Fee | Charged to | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Harbour dues | Vessel | Use of the harbour, based on vessel size |
| Berthage | Vessel | Time alongside a berth |
| Wharfage | Cargo | Cargo moving over the wharf, per container or per tonne |
| Passenger and other fees | Various | Cruise, services and special uses |
The published tariff lists exact rates and units. Most shippers don't pay the HPA directly: wharfage and other cargo charges usually appear on the shipping line's or forwarder's invoice.
Other charges on a Halifax container
| Charge | Set by |
|---|---|
| Terminal handling | Terminal operator / shipping line |
| Terminal storage after free time | Terminal operator |
| Demurrage | Shipping line |
| Detention / per diem | Shipping line |
| Rail inland | CN, often through the shipping line |
| Drayage | Local trucking company |
Our guide on demurrage, detention and storage in Canada explains how these add up.
Managing Halifax port costs
- Pre-clear customs so containers can leave as soon as they are discharged.
- Book local drayage early. Halifax-area carriers in our directory include Metropolitan Logistics, Croway, BTI Logistics, Trebley Logistics, ARJ Logistics and Novaxpress. See the Halifax directory.
- Watch rail cut-offs for inland containers.
- Return empties promptly.
- Compare gateways: see Port of Montreal tariffs and Saint John port fees.
For West Coast imports continuing east, see Vancouver to Halifax container delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Who publishes the Halifax port tariff?
The Halifax Port Authority publishes the tariff of fees for vessels and cargo using the port.
What is wharfage?
Wharfage is a fee on cargo passing over the port's wharves, usually charged per container or per tonne.
Do I pay the Halifax Port Authority directly?
Usually not. Cargo fees are normally collected by the shipping line or forwarder and shown on their invoice.
Why do shippers choose Halifax?
It is ice-free, has deep water and short sailing times to Europe, and has rail links to Central Canada and the US Midwest.
Where can I find drayage carriers in Halifax?
In the Halifax directory on ContainerIntermodal.ca.