Sept-Iles

1. Sept-Iles pilot boarding station Pilot boards50°10.3′N 066°23.6′W

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 345.03m, beam 57m, draught 19.6m, 250,835DWT.

Offshore: LOA and draught - Unrestricted.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

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

Tides

Range 1.6m to 3.5m. Average 2.7m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

All foreign flagged vessels must navigate using the Chenal du Milieu.

Navigation in the Chenal du Milieu is restricted to one vessel transit at a time for vessels of 60,000DWT and greater, all tankers and all vessels with a propulsion or navigational problem. Using the Chenal de L'Est or the Chenel de L'Ouest is prohibited.

Approach to Dock No 31 (Pointe Noire Terminal):

The alignment (248° of the leading lights indicates the SE limit of the dredged approach to the wharf and which passes SSE of the "D17" Lightbuoy (starboard lightbuoy) moored 0.3nm NW of front light.

Approach To Wharves No 40 & 41, (La Relance Terminal):

The alignment (192.5°) on the lights leads to Berth No 40. The NE limit of the dredged approach to the wharves is marked by "D15" Lightbuoy (starboard hand) moored 0.15nm of the NE point of Wharf No 40.

These lights are maintained by the port of Sept-Iles.

Port limits

The port comprises all the waters of Baie des Sept-Iles and extends seaward to embrace the off lying islands.

Anchorages

Anchorage is restricted to the inside of the triangle in depths of 13.0-32m, created by the following positions:

Position 1: 50°11.6'N 066°25.0'W

Position 2: 50°13.1'N 066°29.7'W

Position 3: 50°10.5'N 066°29.7'W

Vessels awaiting berthing at Iron Ore Canada should, initially, anchor in this triangulated area and should not proceed closer than one nautical mile from the IOC Dock while waiting for the Docking Pilot to board.

Small vessels may anchor in a depth of 11.0m approx 0.3nm nearer the shore, but such vessels should not anchor any closer.

The swell in the anchorage with strong S winds is considerable, but generally not dangerous.

Pointe Noire: Well sheltered anchorage in 24.0m, soft clay bottom, is available in the SW part of the bay.

Restrictions

Under Keel Clearance: Port de Sept-Iles (PSI) sets a minimum UKC of 0.6m (60cm) for vessels manoeuvring in PSI waters. However, for safety reasons, this may well be increased at any time to greater than 0.6m by the PSI or by Masters. The PSI will advise on dredged channel depths and the necessary maximum draught for passage in those channels. Vessels loading at berths will also be advised by their Agents of the recommended maximum draught at time of loading to ensure safety of vessels and allow optimum loads.

No transhipment of cargo should take place without prior authorisation by the Harbour Master.

Ship to Ship transfers of petroleum products in anchorages is strictly forbidden.

A pipeline and two submarine cables extend offshore in the vicinity of Pointe a la Marmite, (50°10.0'N 066°26.0'W).

A marine farm has been established close outside the NW part of the anchorage area.

Iron Ore Company of Canada has its own procedures for vessels turning propellers whilst alongside at their installations.

Marine Wildlife: Masters are requested to check whether any seasonal special Regulations are in place as to Whales and other marine wildlife. For safety reasons, vessels are asked to report any sightings of whales within the waters of the Port area. In the event of collision, or other incident involving a whale, Masters should notify the PSI.

Tugs

Arrangements for tugs may be made via Iron Ore Company of Canada Marine Services (Tel: +1 418 968 7540) or Ocean Remorquage Cote-Nord (Tel: +1 418 694 1414).

All vessels with LOA80m or above, and over 3,300GT, should use tug(s) when departing or arriving at a berth. In addition vessels with defects to propulsion or navigation; vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, vessels in excess of 250,000 metric tons and tanker vessels greater than 45,000 metric tons.

Railcar Ferry Dock (No 41): All vessels arriving or departing this berth, with a draught greater than 8.0m, should use two tugs for manoeuvres. All vessels with a draught equal or less than 8.5m, should use at least one tug.

IOC Docks: Tug and pilotage service is compulsory at IOC Docks. Two tugboat's are available on a 24/7 basis with average power of 5,000HP and an average Bollard Pull of 60t. All communication between tugs and pilots are performed by VHF on Ch18a for all manoeuvres within Sept-Iles harbour. Tugboat assistance for docking is compulsory and shifting or undocking without the assistance of IOC tug's and pilots shall be made at the sole risk and responsibility of the ship.

Cruise vessels should use a Pilot but the use of tug(s) is a the Master's and Pilot's discretion. With the exception of Des Petroliers Dock, the use of a pilot and tug(s) should be at the Master's discretion for Canadian vessels less than 36,000 Metric Tons, equipped with bow thruster(s). This 'waiver' does not apply to Ore Company of Canada facilities. The use of a Pilot and Tug(s) is at the Master's discretion for vessels heading directly to anchorages from Port Limits, or vessels sailing from anchorages directly to Port Limits. No vessel may depart from an anchorage position to go to a berth, without a Pilot on board. Further details can be found in the latest version of Port de Sept-Iles Practices and Procedures, located on www.portsi.com

All vessels should be equipped with wire towing line and nylon pendant for tug use in undocking. Ships not so equipped will be provided with tug tow lines.

Mooring

No vessels is permitted to berth at any port facilities under the authority of Port de Sept-Iles, unless prior authorisation has been given by the Harbour Master.

Vessels berthed alongside are required to keep an even strain on all lines. Weather may necessitate the use of additional lines. Pilot's advice should be followed on this.

Des Petroliers Dock (No 8): Tankers may not berth, or remain berthed, at this Pier when there is a cruise vessel visiting at the adjacent Dock.

Port de Sept-Iles Cruise Terminal: No vessel is permitted to berth at this dock when winds exceed 30kts from the South or South West.

La Relance Dock (No 40): Berthing not permitted Port side too unless by prior permission from the Harbour Masters. If this is granted, use of the vessel's propulsion system during berthing or manoevring will not be permitted. Use of tugs and Pilot is mandatory at this berth, at owner's expense.

Pointe-Aux-Basques (No 7): Vessels at this berth are requested to proceed to an anchorage if winds exceed 30kts from the South, South East or South West.

Iron Ore Canada Berths: Full details on Docking Procedures, Morring Details and Facility Regulations etc. can be found on www.ironore.ca, (Notice to Ships Bound for Sept-Isles, issued by Iron Ore Company of Canada Marine Services).

Docking instructions are as follows:

Vessels should request instructions 8 hours prior to arrival. These instructions are to be given as promptly and concisely as conditions permit. Docking Master boards in position 50°10.2'N 066°23.6'W.

Iron Ore Company is able to receive messages 24hrs a day. The use of a Docking Pilot for berthing at IOC facilities is compulsory.

Vessels should anchor at least 1nm off the dock to facilitate ship movements in the bay and should not proceed closer than 1nm from the dock while waiting for the Docking Master to board.

Vessels may be requested to shift anchorage if their position interferes with normal docking approaches.

Vessels arriving in ballast to load at Berth No 2 are requested to present in accordance with the following recommended arrival draughts to ensure safe handling procedures, bearing in mind indicated ship loading rates and shiploader clearances. These draughts are min draught aft with normal trim.

Any vessel unable to meet these suggested draughts due to insufficient ballast capacity, anticipated deballasting problems, etc, should state this in the 48 hour ETA message with the estimated deballasting time.

Vessels should berth portside to unless advised otherwise by the IOC Marine Services.

It is compulsory to have a net under the gangway and a gangway watch must be kept at all times.

Charts and publications

Canadian 1221, 1220. BA 4774, 4775, 4776. Admiralty Pilot NP65, NP286(5).

US14249. US Sailing Directions No 145 (Nova Scotia and the St Lawrence).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Masters are to advise Port de Sept-Iles and their Agent of their ETA to the port limits, 96, 48, 24, 12 and 6hrs prior to arrival.

Vessels bound for the Iron Ore Company (IOC) should advise ETA to the Iron Ore Company Marine Services, requesting berthing information, 96 hours in advance.

Vessels sailing in ballast from Montreal, Sorel, Trois-Rivieres or Quebec must send ETA on departure from these ports, with corrected ETA later if necessary.

Vessels must advise within 24 hours ETA and probable ballast pumping time required on arrival. If any change in ETA or in ballast situation should occur after the 24 hours ETA, same should be notified as soon as possible.

Vessels should request docking instructions 8 hours in advance.

Communications

A Listening Watch should be maintained on VHF Channels 16 (12 and 14) for all vessels operating in Port de Sept-Iles area whether underway, at anchor or at berth. Pilot, tugs and linesmen should use VHF Ch 18A for this purpose.

Iron Ore Company Marine Services is set up to receive radio messages on a 24 hour basis. Radio traffic by vessels at anchor is permissible in Sept-Iles Harbour area.

Coastguard Station monitoring vessel movements in the St Lawrence Seaway, must be contacted at the entrance to the St Lawrence River. Operates throughout 24 hours.

All vessels transiting the Chenal du Milieu, Chenal de L'Est or the Chenal de L'Ouest are to make a security call on VHF Ch 14 and 16.

Notice of readiness

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

Health

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

Pratique can be applied for by radio, via the Canadian Coastguard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.

Customs and immigration

The Customs authorities require 96 hours notice, the Crew List and vessel pre-arrival notification should be sent by Fax: +1 418 968 7113. (see also Documentation Section).

Flags

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

Notices and regulations

For full details of Practices and Procedures at the port can be found on www.portsi.com. In addition, the Iron ore Company of Canada issue Notice to Ships' Bulletins giving current information about berthing at their Sept-Iles facilities. (see www.ironore.ca).

Only one vessel may be secured to a berth at any one time. Rafting up is not permitted, nor the securing of one part of a vessel at a berth to another part of a vessel. No vessel may use its propeller to clear ice along a dock while moored at PSI facilities.

Ballast Water: All vessels arriving at PSI in ballast condition should comply with the "Ballast Water Control Management Regulations (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/).

Equipment Extending Out from Vessel: Prior authorisation must be obtained from the Harbour Master for this. Such equipment is to lit in hours of darkness. No rigging, cargo gear or other equipment may protrude or overhang beyond the outboard side of the vessel in a manner which may endanger life. This Regulation does not apply to vessels' cranes and gantry cranes or McGregor hatch covers or booms of self unloaders, although care should be taken not to impede other vessels, when such equipment is in use.

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

Minor repair facilities are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available, at a rate of 35tph.

Bunkering: Available, 48 hours notice is required.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Hospital de Sept-Iles.

Crew change

Crew change is possible, arrangements should be made through the agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Sept-Iles Airport, 12km.

Airport facilities: Daily flights to Montreal and Quebec.

Nearest railway: Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway Company, linking Sept-Iles with northern cities (Schefferville, Labrador City).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Iron Ore of Canada (IOC) Terminal's working schedule is as follows:

- Available at anytime (throughout 24hrs)

- Available all year round (365 days)

- No planned stoppage/closure for holidays.

Where it is

Sept-Iles is a large natural harbour situated on the N shore of the St Lawrence River, 287nm downstream from Quebec.

The port

Water depth at the entrance to Sept-Iles Bay is more than 80m, open for navigation all year round with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of St Lawrence. This enables the port to handle large ocean going bulk carriers.

The port installations are situated at Sept-Iles, on the NE side of the bay and at Pointe Noire and Anse a Brochu on the SW side.

The port of Sept-Iles is one of the most important ore handling ports in Canada. Due to its deep waters and 10km wide semi-circular bay, the port has become one of the preferred sites for coal STS transhipment.

The Port has a Dedicated Transhipment Area (DTA) within Baie des Sept-Isles.

The principal cargoes handled at the port are iron ore, alumina, aluminium, petroleum coke, limestone and petroleum products. Iron ore is the primary cargo, mining companies such as Iron Ore Company of Canada, (IOC) operate major berths at the port.

Traffic

Approx 39,000,000t of cargo (including 29,200,000t of iron ore) and 500 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Sept-Iles?

The pilot boards at Sept-Iles pilot boarding station, 50°10.3′N 066°23.6′W.

What time zone is Sept-Iles in?

Local time at Sept-Iles 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 Sept-Iles?

The deepest berth listed is at Multi-User Dock: 19.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sept-Iles?

1025.

Which load line zone is Sept-Iles 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 Sept-Iles?

Port State Control at Sept-Iles: Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sept-Iles?

The UN/LOCODE of Sept-Iles is CASEI.

What crews who called at Sept-Iles 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.

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