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Port Hawkesbury

CAPHW🇨🇦Canada

Port Location

About Port Hawkesbury

This Canadian port on Cape Breton Island handles bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo vessels. It offers wharf and anchorage loading/offloading facilities with depths up to 13.7 meters. Pilotage and tug services are compulsory.

Background
Port Hawkesbury is a municipality in southern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. While within the historical county of Inverness, it is not part of the Municipality of Inverness County.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
25.09m
Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
2ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Drydock
Small
Repair Code
C

History

Established
1789

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CAPHW
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Time Zone
UTC-5

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
CA-NS
Latitude
45.6167°
Longitude
-61.3667°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
5870 →
Wikidata
Q2326975 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.townofporthawkesbury.ca →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port Hawkesbury?+
The controlling depth at Port Hawkesbury is 25.09 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 Hawkesbury?+
The approach to Port Hawkesbury is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Balache Point Range Rear Lighthouse at 2.8 NM to the NW. Other aids include North Canso (6.8 NM NW), Eddy Point (7.5 NM SE), Eddy Point Range Rear (7.7 NM SE), Havre Boucher Range Rear (7.7 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port Hawkesbury on?+
The Port Hawkesbury 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 Hawkesbury?+
You can track vessels near Port Hawkesbury (CAPHW) 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 CAPHW on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port Hawkesbury?+
The Port Hawkesbury operates in the UTC-5 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 Hawkesbury?+
PORT HAWKESBURY (UN/Locode: CAPHW), Canada is a seaport located at approximately 45.61360° N, -61.36560° E.
Where is the Port Hawkesbury located?+
Coordinates: 45.61360° N, -61.36560° E. Nearby terminals/ports:MULGRAVE MARINE TERM — UN/Locode: CAMUL — 45.60690° N, -61.38690° EPOINT TUPPER — UN/Locode: CAPTU — 45.57250° N, -61.34220° EJ.F. SAMSON SEAFOOD — UN/Locode: CAARI — 45.51080° N, -61.01810° E
What facilities are available at the Port Hawkesbury?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Very Small. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and turning area. Depths: channel depth 4.9m - 6.1m; anchorage depth 12.5m - 13.7m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 23.2m - OVER and maximum draft approx. 25.09 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port Hawkesbury?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port Hawkesbury?+
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: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port Hawkesbury?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.