Note: As of June 2025, the tariff structure outlined below remains fully current. No new rate revisions have been published by the Montreal Port Authority since the implementation of Notices N-1 to B-1.
Effective January and February 2025, the Port of Montreal has implemented a new set of tariffs governing all maritime commercial activities. These updates affect key areas including berthage, anchorage, cargo handling, customs service, and harbour access. This article synthesizes all tariff notices released by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), namely:
- Notice N-1: Berthage and Anchorage
- Notice N-2: Wharfage Fees (cargo dues)
- Notice N-3: Customs Tariff for International Containerized Cargo
- Notice B-1: Harbour Fees
Below you will find detailed rate tables, breakdowns by cargo type and vessel size, payment rules, and strategic recommendations for port users.
Notice N-1: Berthage and Anchorage Tariffs
| Vessel Type | Rate ($/GRT/hr) |
|---|---|
| General cargo vessel | 0.0044 |
| Tankers | 0.0054 |
| Cruise ships | 0.0054 |
| Ro-Ro vessels | 0.0054 |
| Bulk carriers | 0.0049 |
| Minimum charge per berthing | $366.00 |
Anchorage Charges
| Vessel Type | Rate ($/GRT per hour) | Min Charge |
| All vessels | 0.0017 | $153.00 |
Insight: The port incentivizes shorter stays and penalizes larger vessels with slower port operations.
Notice N-2: Wharfage Fees (Cargo Dues)
This notice applies to all cargo passing over MPA-managed terminals. Charges vary by cargo type and packaging.
Container Cargo
| Container Type | Import ($/unit) | Export ($/unit) |
| 20’ loaded | 61.86 | 58.40 |
| 40’ loaded | 61.86 | 58.40 |
| 20’ empty | 61.86 | 58.40 |
| 40’ empty | 61.86 | 58.40 |
Bulk Cargo (Per Metric Tonne)
| Commodity Type | Rate ($/tonne) |
| Salt | 1.15 |
| Iron ore | 0.69 |
| Grain | 0.77 |
| Cement, powder | 1.15 |
General Cargo (Per Metric Tonne)
| Cargo Type | Rate ($/tonne) |
| Steel | 3.46 |
| Forest products | 2.62 |
| Machinery/vehicles | 4.50 |
Strategic Tip: High-volume exporters should negotiate terminal-specific discounts or rebates.
Notice N-3: Customs Service Tariff (International Containerized Cargo)
This notice sets a uniform customs processing fee applied to all international containerized goods.
| Cargo Category | Rate ($/tonne) |
| International container cargo | 0.04 |
Additional Notes
- Applicable to all containerized cargo entering or leaving Canada via the Port of Montreal.
- Collected monthly by the terminal operator and remitted to the Port Authority.
- Interest of 1.5%/month (18% annual) applies to late payments.
Compliance Insight: Customs tariffs are mandatory regardless of the carrier’s existing service fees.
Notice B-1: Harbour Fees
This notice regulates access and navigational use of the port by all vessels.
General Harbour Fees (Flat Rate)
| Vessel Type | Rate ($) |
| Cargo vessel >100 GRT | 1,325.00 |
| Tugboats (per call) | 274.00 |
| Barges | 245.00 |
| Tankers | 1,510.00 |
| Cruise ships | 1,700.00 |
By Tonnage (GRT-Based)
| Vessel Category | Rate ($/GRT) |
| Canadian-flagged vessels | 0.038 |
| Foreign-flagged vessels | 0.076 |
Optimization Tip: Using Canadian-flagged vessels can cut harbour dues by 50%.
📊 Strategic Observations
- Container uniformity: Montreal applies flat rates across all container sizes—this is rare compared to ports that differentiate between TEU and FEU.
- Tonnage pricing: Berthage and harbour dues remain heavily weighted toward gross registered tonnage.
- Risk of stacking fees: Some charges (e.g. customs + wharfage + berthing) are cumulative. Planning around cargo consolidation can mitigate total cost.
- Foreign operator penalty: Across all categories, foreign-flagged vessels pay 50–100% more than Canadian ships.
Conclusion & Action Steps
The 2025 Port of Montreal tariffs create a clearer, more standardized structure for port costs—but with notable pressure on foreign operators, heavy cargo, and inefficient vessel turnarounds.
Stakeholders can take the following steps:
- Analyze full cost per shipment based on wharfage + customs + berthing
- Optimize GRT exposure by reducing idle hours
- Choose Canadian carriers or negotiate TEU-volume discounts
- Ensure timely customs clearance to avoid compounding charges
For logistics firms and import/export operators looking for dependable local support, consult our updated Montreal Drayage Directory, featuring top-rated companies active in and around the port.
