Navigating to the Port of Churchill
Ships entering the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay are subject to Canada’s Arctic Water Pollution Prevention Act. This act creates a regulatory Time Date Zone that may restrict vessel navigation if there is ice present. These navigation restrictions are found above 60N in the Hudson Strait. Vessels of Type A & B Class are permitted into the zone from June 25 to November 30. Vessels of Type C Class are permitted from July 1 to November 15. Vessels operating in the region outside of these dates are subject to the Arctic Ice Regime System (AIRS). The AIRS is administered by Transport Canada Marine Safety. The AIRS considers vessel condition and crew experience to determine the ability of a vessel to enter the zone. Vessels operating outside the zone data system may still enter using the AIRS and a qualified ice navigator.
For a listing of all associated acts and regulations including the Canada Shipping Act please visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/acts/1985cA-12/menu.htm
The Canadian Ice Service, of the Government of Canada compiles detailed ice reports and forecasts ice conditions using satellite remote sensing and aerial surveillance. For up-to-date ice information see www.ice-glaces.ec.gc.ca.
Ice breaker support for emergencies is normally available from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The CCG can be contacted through the CCG marine communication traffic services centre in Iqualuit, NU. The center will also provide assistance with ice routing. The CCG website also holds a wealth of information pertaining to entering into the Canadian Arctic and ice covered waters. For further reference please see http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/Ice_Home
The Port of Churchill is pleased to assist vessel operators in any way. For further information on how you can use the Port of Churchill and its services, please call 204-947-0033.
Nautical Mileages - The Churchill Advantage!
| Churchill to | Thunder Bay to | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | 3344 | 4325 | 981 |
| Murmansk | 3763 | 5210 | 1447 |
| Liverpool | 2992 | 4035 | 1043 |
| Oslo | 3370 | 5368 | 1998 |
For more shipping distances, please visit Distances.com
*all the information provided is —to the best of our knowledge— up to date and complete.
CGDC holds no legal liability respecting the accuracy of information provided by the Government of Canada.