PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Clarkson
Pilot
updated Nov 2010Available through Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, Tel: +1 613 933 2991.
Key data
updated Dec 2022Size limits
LOA 226.12m, beam 23.78m, draught 7.3m, 37,690DWT.
Tides
Surface currents generally move counter clockwise around Lake Ontario at an average rate of 0.1kn. Surface current is significantly affected by winds, especially from the E, and currents can reach in excess of 0.5kn in sustained winds.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Grove North - Mississauga Cement Plant | 7.30 m | 226 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jan 2017Approach
The breakwater and pier are directly open to the waters of Lake Ontario, jutting out in a SE direction, approx 0.4nm from the shoreline. The pier can be approached from the SW, SE and NE directions, the approaches having an approx min depth of 7.6m with a depth alongside of 8.2m. Depths are subject to change because of the location of the facilities.
Restrictions
Water Depth: Great Lake water levels fluctuate during the season and Masters should obtain latest data when planning their UKC for berthing and while on the berth. The Canadian Hydrographic Service provides continuous information via telephone or internet. All vessels must follow their company ISM policies for UKC. Masters are advised to be in full compliance with the Canadian Coast Guard guidelines reference to net UKC when alongside the terminal. Copies of these regulations can be obtained form the vessel's agents.
Clarkson is a very exposed port area and even moderate adverse weather conditions can cause problems. Waves can break over the structure. Masters should be ready to leave the berths at short notice, on full power.
Ice: Masters of laden tankers destined for or departing from Clarkson are advised that vessels must be in compliance with the "Joint Industry - Coast Guard guidelines for the control of oil tankers and bulk chemical carriers in ice control zones of Eastern Canada" when transiting the Gulf and River St. Lawrence in winter.
Tugs
Tug services are available from McKeil Marine Ltd in Hamilton, Tel: +1 905 4780 and Ocean Ontario Towing Inc., Tel: +1 905 528 3663.
Charts and publications
Can 2047 (Clarkson Harbour), 2077 (Lake Ontario), 2086 (Toronto to Hamilton).
Inspections
Port State Control here: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
Inspection of ships in Canada
Transport Canada,
Inspection and Operations Standards Division,
Tower C, Place de Ville, 330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5.
For Flag State Inspection Standards (Canadian Vessels):
Tel: +1 613 991 3135
Fax: +1 613 991 4818
Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863
Email: [email protected]
For Port State Control Standards (Foreign Vessels):
Tel: +1 613 991 3135
Fax: +1 613 993 8196
Teletypewriter / TDD: +1 888 675 6863
Email: [email protected]
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Directorate Marine Security - Transport Canada.
Position: Director General.
Address: 112 Kent Street, Tower B, Place de Ville, Ottawa, ON, K1A ON5, Canada.
Tel: +1 613 851 6302
Fax: +1 613 949 3906
Website: http://www.tc.gc.ca
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
About Clarkson
updated Aug 2018Where it is
Clarkson is located to the W of Lake Ontario.
The port
Clarkson is the industrial area of Mississauga where CRH Canada operate a cement factory and pier.
Questions about Clarkson
What are the pilot arrangements at Clarkson?
Available through Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, Tel: +1 613 933 2991.
What time zone is Clarkson in?
Local time at Clarkson is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Clarkson?
The deepest berth listed is at Ash Grove North - Mississauga Cement Plant: 7.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Who carries out Port State Control at Clarkson?
Port State Control at Clarkson: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Clarkson?
The UN/LOCODE of Clarkson is CACSN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Clarkson say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.