On April 1, 2025, the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) implemented new tariff structures affecting all commercial maritime activity in the Port of Halifax. The updated schedule introduces revised berthage, anchorage, harbour dues, wharfage, throughput, and dangerous goods handling rates. Additionally, it outlines incentives for environmentally responsible shipping and Canadian intermodal exports.
This article offers a comprehensive 3,000+ word breakdown of the new 2025 HPA tariffs. We evaluate direct costs to vessels and shippers, explore rate tables, compare rate tiers, and discuss how stakeholders—including ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and import/export businesses—can adapt strategically.
Berthage and Anchorage Fees (Notice N-1)
Halifax applies berthage and anchorage fees based on gross registered tonnage (GRT) and time in port. Security charges and daily minimums further shape the fee structure.
Berthage Rates
| Description | Rate ($/GRT) | Minimum Daily Charge ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard vessel | 0.0607 | 32.19 |
| Cruise vessel using tenders | 0.0304 | 32.19 |
| Oil rigs and drilling platforms (flat) | – | 825.99 (flat) |
Anchorage Rates
| Type | Rate ($/GRT) |
| General vessel | 0.0155 |
| Vessels awaiting sailing/maintenance | 0.0155 |
| Cruise vessels using tenders | 0.0304 |
| Drilling platforms | 0.0091 |
Security Berthage Charges (12-hour periods)
| GRT Tier | Rate ($/12 hrs) |
| 20,001 and over | 352.06 |
| 10,001 – 20,000 | 262.54 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | 196.92 |
| 2,001 – 5,000 | 131.26 |
| 2,000 and under | 65.66 |
Interpretation: The tiered berthage and anchorage approach benefits lower-GRT vessels with shorter stays and cruise ships using tenders. Daily minimums remain modest unless staying long-term or incurring security costs.
Wharfage and Cargo Handling (Notice N-2)
Wharfage fees apply to containerized, breakbulk, and bulk cargo, with volume discounts and incentives for U.S.-origin freight.
Containerized Cargo Wharfage Rates (Schedule I)
| Volume Tier (TEUs) | 20′ Import | 40′ Import | 20′ Export | 40′ Export |
| 1 – 10,000 | $66.80 | $66.80 | $72.20 | $77.80 |
| 10,001 – 20,000 | $61.80 | $61.80 | $67.20 | $72.80 |
| 20,001 – 50,000 | $56.80 | $56.80 | $62.20 | $67.80 |
| Over 50,001 | $29.00 | $24.75 | $36.50 | $41.00 |
Qualifying U.S. Cargo (East Coast + Midwest States)
| Container Size | Rate per Box ($) |
| 20′ | 9.95 |
| 40′ | 14.55 |
Breakbulk Wharfage (Range by Commodity)
| Commodity | Rate ($/tonne W) | Rate ($/tonne M) |
| Steel/metal products | 3.448 | 2.725 |
| Fish/frozen products | 2.276 | 1.832 |
| Lumber/logs | 1.128 | 0.859 |
| Paper/wood pulp | 1.735 | 1.412 |
| Grain/bulk paper | 0.689 | 0.571 |
🚢 Harbour Dues (Notice N-3)
Harbour dues are levied per port call and depend on vessel type, GRT, and nationality.
Fixed Harbour Dues (Per Vessel Call)
| Vessel Type | Rate ($) |
| Self-propelled vessel >200 GRT | 1,343.39 |
| Scow >100 GRT | 345.42 |
| Other non-self-propelled vessel | 345.42 |
Tonnage-Based Dues
| Vessel Nationality | Rate ($/GRT) | Minimum ($) |
| Canadian registry | 0.0384 | 25.00 |
| Foreign vessel | 0.0769 | 50.01 |
Strategic Insight: Foreign operators pay almost double the harbour dues per GRT. Regular domestic traffic benefits significantly from rate advantages.
Cruise Passenger Fees (Notice N-4)
Passenger Charges (Per Call)
| Passenger Range | In-Transit Fee | Turnaround Fee | Terminal Fee | Tour Fee |
| 0 – 499 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $2.00 | $0.50 |
| 500 – 999 | $20.00 | $20.00 | $2.00 | $0.50 |
| 1000+ | $15.00 | $15.00 | $2.00 | $0.50 |
Implication: Larger vessels get volume-based discounts, reducing per-passenger fees by 40% over small cruise ships.
hroughput & Storage (Notice N-6)
Throughput Charges
| Container Type | Rate (Loaded) | Rate (Empty) |
| 20′ container | $21.56 | $10.73 |
| 40′ container | $32.31 | $16.16 |
Storage Charges (Per Week)
| Container Type | Loaded ($) | Empty ($) |
| 20′ container | $7.19 | $3.58 |
| 40′ container | $10.77 | $5.39 |
Free Time Limits
- Imports: 8 days after vessel unloading (forward counting)
- Exports: 8 days before vessel loading (backward counting)
⚠ Dangerous Goods (Notice N-7)
Dangerous Goods Fees
| Type | Rate |
| Per container | $79.56 |
| Bulk (Weight basis) | $7.96/tonne W |
| Bulk (Volume basis) | $6.36/tonne M |
Key Compliance Requirements:
- Class 1 (explosives), 5.1 (ammonium nitrate), and 7 (radioactive) require pre-approval.
- All classes must be declared 24 hours prior to port arrival.
Ancillary Services & Fees (Notice N-9)
| Service/Utility | Rate ($) |
| Water (monthly min) | 41.01 |
| Electrical hookup | 1,000.00 |
| Power/fuel (kWh) | At cost |
| Welding permit (day/night) | 66.47 / 250.53 |
| Guard hourly rate (min 4 hrs) | 28.13/hr |
Advisory: These fees affect non-cargo operations, especially vessel maintenance or dry dock logistics.
Incentives for Green & Intermodal Shipping (Notice N-10)
Environmental Ship Index (ESI) Harbour Dues Rebates
| ESI Score | HPA Facility Rebate | Non-HPA Rebate |
| 0–19.99 | $0 | $0 |
| 20–49.99 | $510 | $105 |
| 50–64.99 | $1,050 | $210 |
| 65+ | $1,575 | $315 |
Intermodal Export Incentive
| Container Type | Rebate (annual, per unit) |
| 20′ | $25 |
| 40’/45′ | $30 |
Qualification Note: Applies only to exports exceeding 2024 volumes via Canadian intermodal (rail) and requires full ESI participation.
Conclusion & Strategic Takeaways
The Halifax Port Authority’s 2025 tariff overhaul aims to:
- Standardize cost structures by volume and vessel class
- Reward clean shipping and high-volume rail exporters
- Maintain competitive appeal to U.S.-based and domestic cargo
Implications for Stakeholders:
- Shipping lines must optimize routes and document cargo thoroughly to reduce dwell and dangerous goods surcharges.
- Logistics firms should leverage intermodal incentives to improve margins.
- Exporters/importers must plan around tight free time limits and be proactive with throughput planning.
The Port of Halifax remains a critical Eastern Canadian hub, but operators who understand and apply these tariff nuances will benefit the most.
For those seeking reliable logistics partners in the Halifax region, explore our curated Halifax Drayage Directory featuring top-rated companies ready to assist with local container movements.
