Port Saguenay

Size limits

LOA 345.03m, beam 41.00m, draught 12m and 100,000DWT.

Water density

1000-1015.

Load line zone

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Tides

MHWS 4.5m, MLWS 0.4m. Low water levels are considerably affected by meteorological conditions.

The tidal range is reduced by the river slope, especially during the freshest season, from Apr to Jul. At this time, there can be a strong seaward flow, which reinforces the ebb current and can overcome the flood current. Whether the flood gates at Saguenay are open or closed will depend on the rate of the ebb current. It has been reported that during the freshet there is no flood current, and the maximum ebb rate is 4 knots. At the height of the thaw, approx the beginning of Jun, the outgoing stream runs swiftly, sometimes overcoming the ingoing tidal stream and requiring special care.

At springs a large body of water passes over the shoals below Saguenay, attaining a very rapid rate during the outgoing tidal stream. This out flow falls suddenly into deep water S of Cap des Roches, (48°27.0'N 070°54.0'W) and seems to strike downwards at once, leaving only a slight stream on the surface.

Approach

In approach, there is a speed limit of 7 knots when within 2 miles of the port facilities

Port limits

The E limit of the port is a line drawn from Cap Ouest, (48°23'N 070°45'W) in a 010° direction to the mouth of the Riviere Pelletier, on the N shore.

Anchorages

Vessels must obtain the SPA's authorisation before proceeding to the anchorage area and then the designated anchorage area must be coordinated with the pilot. Good anchorage in a depth of 36.6m or less, is available on the N side of the river, between Pointe aux Pins and a position E of the spoil ground situated approx 1.5nm SE of the church at Saint Fulgence, (48°27'N 070°54'W). Good anchorage in a depth of 29.3m can also be taken with the church in Saint-Fulgence bearing 142°, distant about 1.5 miles. Except in an emergency no vessel is permitted to anchor within the port limits without the prior permission of the Port Manager and then only in the assigned berth.

Note: In the event of treacherous weather the Harbour Master may demand that the ship to be moved. Vessels either at the anchorage or berthed at the terminals are forbidden from conducting overside maintenance which may produce wastes that may fall into the water, including hull coatings or abrasive materials. Any work that can generate excessive underwater noise should be avoided. If they can not be avoided, measures must be taken to limit them. This work must be reported in advance to the Port Authority.

Restrictions

It has been noted that a fountain emerges from the water near the W extremity of Chicoutimi Old Port wharf. The wharf runs parallel to the Saguenay south shore and is located at the head of the city, 1 mile west of

Riviere du Moulin. It is also worth noting that there is a migratory bird sanctuary in the area of Battures de Saint-Fulgence and within the protected area access regulations apply.

Caution: Following the channel W from the main terminal (Grande-Anse Marine Terminal) towards the town of Saguenay there are two bridges that span the Saguenay River. The first bridge, with a vertical clearance of 3.1m has private air obstruction lights which are shown from the bridge span. A crib in ruins is just above and below the bridge. Close above the aforementioned bridge, there is a second bridge. This is a fixed highway bridge which stands on six piers 73m apart. The minimum vertical clearance under the centre span of the bridge is 7.8m. Continuing W it is suitable only for small craft and local knowledge is essential. Further upstream, navigation is no longer possible due to the Shipshaw Hydro-Power Dam facilities.

Tugs

Available at Grande-Anse Marine Terminal.

Note: In the event of safety or environmental protection, the SPA requires that a vessel, secures the services of tugs or other agencies or services and the aforementioned services will then be at the expense and risk of the vessel concerned. SPA is also not liable for any damages that may due to error, fault or negligence on the part of a Pilot or Tug(s), while they are assisting in the berthing or departing manoeuvre of a vessel.

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Mooring

Mooring front 286m (939ft).

Charts and publications

BA 1370. Admiralty Pilot NP65. Canadian chart: 1202

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's ETA should be sent 24 hours before arrival to ensure the availability of pilots at Escoumins for vessels proceeding from the Gulf of St Lawrence to Grande-Anse wharf.

A second ETA must be sent 12 hours prior to the scheduled time of arrival and confirmed or revised 6 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.

Communications

Messages can be passed via Marine Communications Traffic Services (MCTS).

VHF: Ch 14.

Saguenay Port Authority:

Telephone: 1-418-697-0250 or 418-812-6400

Facsimile: 1-418-697-0243

E-mail: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

As per Charter Party or upon docking with first line ashore.

Documents

As per regulations these documents must be forwarded by the agency 48 hours after the loading or unloading of cargo from a vessel.

Health

Pratique should only be applied for when vessel is arriving from a country which has a plague outbreak or the vessel has had a death onboard and serious illness among the crew or infestation of rats. Pratique can be applied for by radio.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Flags

State flag at the stern, Canadian flag on the mast.

Notices and regulations

Ice breaking service: When a vessel must leave Grande-Anse Marine Terminal 12 hours notice must be given and confirmed 4 hours before ice breaking assistance required. A 6 hour delay could be required for a new assistance request.

A vessel wishing to obtain a berth must apply by completing a berth request, if accepted he will send the ship or his agent a mooring permit. The harbour master is the only person who can assign a berth or authorise a vessel to enter, go beyond or move within the Saguenay Port Authority (SPA).

Regulations:

1. A vessel with explosives or other hazardous materials can enter the limits of SPA before getting a dangerous goods permit.

2. In the event of safety or environmental protection, the SPA requires that a vessel, secures the services of tugs or other agencies or services and the aforementioned services will then be at the expense and risk of the vessel concerned.

3. In the event of potential or actual risks to the environment, safety or security of personnel or property, may require the movement of vessels in the port. Movements will be directed by the SPA and must be complied with in these circumstances; the SPA can order tugs, or other services necessary for the safe movement of a vessel.

4. Vessels must proceed at a safe speed.

5. From sunset to sunrise, any vessel that is projecting their bow or stern must be adequately illuminated in order to be visible from all directions.

6. Vessels berthed at the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal may move along the berth with vessel lines and prior authorisation from the Harbour Master. The request may only be granted depending on the weather conditions, other vessels in the vicinity and any special condition relating to the vessel and the safety of the operation in hand.

7. Vessels that wish to test their equipment or machinery, the demobilisation of main engine(s), steering gear or other shipboard system that affects the vessels’ propulsion or manoeuvrability, must apply for authorisation through their agents.

8. Vessels either at the anchorage or berthed at the terminals are forbidden from conducting overside maintenance which may produce wastes that may fall into the water, including hull coatings or abrasive materials. Any work that can generate excessive underwater noise should be avoided. If they can not be avoided, measures must be taken to limit them. This work must be reported in advance to the Port Authority.

9. When in areas near combustibles, no process may be undertaken which produces sources of ignition.

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

There are no drydock facilities available, nearest at Quebec.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering Note: Any vessels wishing to load hydrocarbons must first obtain a permit issued by the Saguenay Port Authority (SPA).

Medical

Nearest hospital: Clinical Of Medical La Baie (0.75km) and La Baie Hospital (1km)

Transport

Nearest airport: Saguenay-Bagotville Airport (regional airport, 13.2km).

Nearest railway: The port has direct access to rail services. As a result, it links the Saguenay industrial port zone to the national railway network, in turn giving the port access to Western Canada. The port of Saguenay's rail service is 12.5km long on a 136lb rail with a loading ramp providing access to a shed of more than 70,000ft2. The rail facilities within the industrial zone have 10,000ft of storage lanes with access to more than 2,500,000ft2 of high-capacity outdoor storage and more than 70,000ft2 pavers. In 2021, more than 30,000t of goods were transported by rail from the port.

Nearest road: The port has direct access to major highways including the Quebec route 170. This is an east/west highway and a main link between Lac-Saint-Jean and Saguenay.

Working hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs. However according to user needs, the schedule can be expected during the week until 2200hrs and on weekends from 0800-2200hrs, on an overtime basis.

Where it is

Port Saguenay is situated on the Saguenay River, 54NM from the confluence of the St. Lawrence River.

The port

The main port area is situated at Grande-Anse Marine Terminal and it serves the industries of the area as well as Northern Quebec. The terminal is dedicated to receiving, shipping and transloading general and specialised cargo including iron ore, sugar, slag, bauxite, aluminium, bricks, wood pellets, anodes, metallurgical coal, de-icing salt, liquid pitch, asphalt/bitumen, kaolin and fluorspar.

Port Saguenay also handles the Bagotville Wharf which caters for cruise vessels, including RMS Queen Mary II. The port boasts numerous awards including the "Best Port Welcome" award at the Cruise Insight 2015 Awards and the 2013 Azimut Silver Award. As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cruise terminal was closed during the 2020 and 2021 season, however it will reopen for the 2022 season. A division of Canada’s Naval Reserve are located in the area and there is year round navigation. Since 2009, the port has been a member of the Green Marine.

The port has won numerous awards including Award of Excellence - 2020 for Community Outreach / Education, Award of Distinction - 2020 for Annual Reports, Richard Couture Award - 2015 and Cruise insight awards - 4 times "Best Port Hospitality in the World".

For Port Alfred Bauxite berths see separate entry.

Traffic

Approx 1,250,000t of cargo, 31,500t of coal, 290,000t of iron ore, zero passengers and 100 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Port Saguenay?

Pilotage is compulsory and must be requested 24 hours, 12 hours, 6 hours in advance and notice must be confirmed 4 hours prior to arrival at the pilot station.

What time zone is Port Saguenay in?

Local time at Port Saguenay is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the water density at Port Saguenay?

1000-1015.

Which load line zone is Port Saguenay in?

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Port Saguenay?

Port State Control at Port Saguenay: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Saguenay?

The UN/LOCODE of Port Saguenay is CASAG.

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