IQALUIT

• CAIQL
• Latitude: 63.7396
• Longitude: -68.5229
• East Coast Canada
• Port in Canada

Location: Canada

Iqaluit Marine Port Description and Specification

Location: Iqaluit is the capital of the Nunavut territory in Canada, situated on Baffin Island. The port is strategically located along Frobisher Bay in the southeastern part of the island.

Coordinates: Latitude: 63° 44' N Longitude: 068° 31' W

Overview: Iqaluit's marine port primarily serves as a seasonal hub for shipping and supplies due to the Arctic climate. The port is critical for the transportation of goods, equipment, and supplies to support the local communities and industries, especially considering the limited road infrastructure in the region.

Seasonal Operation:

• Open Season: From late June to early October, when the ice conditions are suitable for navigation.
• Closed Season: From late October to early June, when the sea ice makes marine operations impractical.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Wharves and Docks: Iqaluit does not have traditional deep-water docking facilities. Vessels typically offload cargo onto barges offshore, which then transport the cargo to the shore.
• Cargo Handling: Cargo operations generally involve using cranes or similar equipment on vessels to transfer goods to and from barges.
• Storage: Limited storage facilities available. Onshore storage includes warehousing for general supplies and laydown areas for larger equipment.
• Fuel Supplies: Fuel is essential for the local community, with bulk fuel storage facilities present to handle deliveries and distributions.

Navigation and Access:

• Navigation Aids: The port area has navigation aids to assist vessels, including buoys and beacons. Pilots may not always be available, so captains should navigate cautiously.
• Tidal Information: The region experiences significant tidal ranges, which can influence cargo operations and access to the port. Mariners should be well-versed in local tidal patterns to ensure safe mooring and departure.

Climate and Environment:

• Climate: Subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Ice-block conditions necessitate careful planning for arrivals and departures during operational months.
• Environmental Considerations: Preservation of the Arctic environment is critical. Strict guidelines exist for waste management, spill prevention, and adherence to environmental protection protocols.

Connectivity:

• Air Transport: Iqaluit Airport provides a critical connection for passengers and perishable goods year-round.
• Community Access: The port is vital for the delivery of goods to surrounding remote communities, often relying on air or smaller sea vessels for distribution beyond Iqaluit.

Key Considerations:

• Due to the lack of deep-water facilities, vessel operators need to prepare for lightering operations using barges.
• The limited operational season demands meticulous planning to ensure that deliveries and departures occur within the available ice-free window.
• Cargo consolidation is typically done in larger southern ports like Montreal before shipment to Iqaluit.

Future Developments: Plans for enhancing marine infrastructure in Iqaluit have been discussed to improve access and efficiency, potentially including the construction of deeper ports to accommodate larger vessels directly.

Contacts and Authorities: For specific details and the latest updates regarding Iqaluit marine port operations, it is advised to contact local port authorities, the Government of Nunavut, or key stakeholders involved in Arctic maritime operations.