Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Port of Halifax

CAHAL🇨🇦Canada

Port Location

About Port of Halifax

Halifax is a large, sheltered natural harbor on Canada's Atlantic coast. It handles container, bulk, and general cargo, as well as passenger and offshore vessels. The port features mobile, fixed, and floating cranes and requires pilotage and tug assistance.

Background
The Port of Halifax comprises various port facilities in Halifax Harbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It covers 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) of land, and looks after 150 km2 (58 sq mi) of water.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
18.29m
Channel Depth
20ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
M
Repair Code
A

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
6340 →
GeoNames ID
5969431 →
Wikidata
Q1567789 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.portofhalifax.ca →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CAHAL
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Time Zone
UTC-4
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
CA-NS
Latitude
44.6500°
Longitude
-63.5833°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Track ships at the Port of Halifax in real time

Live AIS positions, arrivals, and departures at CAHAL — straight from your phone.

Live AIS positionsArrival alertsVoyage history
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Halifax?+
The controlling depth at Halifax is 18.29 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Halifax?+
The approach to Halifax is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is George's Island (Halifax Harbour Inner Range Front) Lighthouse at 1.1 NM to the ESE. Other aids include Halifax Harbour Inner Range Front (1.1 NM ESE), Halifax Harbour Inner Range Rear (1.1 NM NNE), Halifax Harbour Middle Range Rear (2.9 NM SE), Maugher Beach (3.6 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Halifax on?+
The Port of Halifax is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean in CA. The area falls within the temperate maritime climate zone, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Halifax?+
You can track vessels near Halifax (CAHAL) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for CAHAL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Halifax?+
The Port of Halifax operates in the UTC-4 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Halifax?+
HALIFAX (UN/Locode: CAHAL), Canada is a seaport located at approximately 44.66815° N, -63.59610° E.
Where is the Port of Halifax located?+
Coordinates: 44.66815° N, -63.59610° E. Nearby terminals/ports:GOLD RIVER — UN/Locode: CAGOR — 44.54690° N, -64.31610° ELUNENBURG — UN/Locode: CALUN — 44.37640° N, -64.31360° ESHEET HARBOUR — UN/Locode: CASHH — 44.85390° N, -62.55530° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Halifax?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Large. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts, 50–100 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 20.1m - 21.3m; anchorage depth 12.5m - 13.7m; cargo pier depth 15.5m - 16m; oil terminal depth 14m - 15.2m and maximum draft approx. 18.29 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Halifax?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Halifax?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Halifax?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.