Port Saint John publishes a tariff of harbour dues, wharfage and other fees, and like many river-mouth ports it must dredge regularly to keep its channels deep enough for container ships, which is reflected in its fees. Container terminal handling and storage are charged separately by the terminal operator and shipping lines. Check Port Saint John's current tariff before budgeting.
Key takeaways
- Port fees: harbour dues, berthage, wharfage and related charges, published by Port Saint John.
- Dredging: silt from the Saint John River means channels need regular maintenance dredging.
- Container terminal: operated by DP World Saint John, connected to CPKC rail.
- Total cost for shippers depends as much on dwell time and drayage as on the tariff.
About Port Saint John
Port Saint John on the Bay of Fundy handles containers, bulk, liquid bulk and cruise traffic. Its container terminal was modernized with new cranes and a direct connection to CPKC's network, which links the port to Montreal, Toronto and the US Midwest.
Fees in the Port Saint John tariff
| Fee | Charged to | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Harbour dues | Vessel | Use of the harbour |
| Berthage | Vessel | Time alongside a berth |
| Wharfage | Cargo | Cargo crossing the wharf |
| Infrastructure-related charges | Vessel or cargo | Funding for maintenance such as dredging, where applicable |
Exact rates, units and any new charges are published in the port's official tariff. Shippers usually see these costs on the shipping line's invoice.
Why dredging affects costs
The Saint John River carries sediment into the harbour. Without regular dredging, channels and berths would become too shallow for large vessels. Dredging is expensive, and ports recover part of that cost through their fees. If the port announces tariff changes linked to dredging, shipping lines may pass them on as surcharges.
Other costs on a Saint John container
- Terminal handling and storage (terminal operator)
- Demurrage and detention (shipping line). See demurrage and storage fees in Canada
- Rail to inland destinations
- Local drayage
Managing your costs
- Clear customs early so boxes leave within free time.
- Book drayage in advance. Carriers serving Saint John and Moncton in our directory include Armour Transport, Shoreland Transport, Croway, Melai's Transport and Metropolitan Logistics. See the Saint John / Moncton directory.
- Monitor terminal notices for equipment or system outages. See managing delays at Port Saint John.
- Compare with Halifax and Montreal. See Halifax port tariffs and Port of Montreal tariffs.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Port Saint John need dredging?
Sediment from the Saint John River settles in the harbour, so channels and berths must be dredged to stay deep enough for large ships.
Who operates the container terminal in Saint John?
DP World operates the container terminal at Port Saint John.
Which railway serves Port Saint John?
CPKC connects Port Saint John to Central Canada and the US Midwest.
Where can I find Port Saint John's current fees?
In the official tariff published on Port Saint John's website.
How do I find drayage carriers in Saint John?
Browse the Saint John / Moncton directory on ContainerIntermodal.ca.