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The Port of Saint John is divided into three main areas: The Main Harbour, Courtenay Bay and the Outer Harbour. Of these areas, the Main Harbour and Courtenay Bay, where the majority of Port facilities are located, are influenced by the Bay of Fundy tides and the currents of the St.John River which flows out of the Main Harbour into the Bay.
The Outer Harbour lies south of Partridge Island and the Main Channel, and is comprised of the Harbour approaches and anchorage areas. A VLCC offshore discharge facility at Canaport is also situated in this outer area.
The Port experiences two high and two low tides each day (semi-diurnal) with tidal range varying from 15 to 28 feet, depending on the type of tide. High-water heights vary from 22 to 28 feet and low-water heights vary from 0 to 7 feet above chart datum. Because of these semi-diurnal tides and the action of the St.John River, slack water in the Harbour occurs at approximately half tide and not at high or low water as would be the case at other ports.
Vessels enter the Harbour via the Main Channel, which is dredged to 30 feet below chart datum. Courtenay Bay is entered using the Courtenay Bay Channel which runs north-easterly from its junction with the Main Channel. This channel is dredged to 18 feet below chart datum and provides access to oil terminals, dry dock facilities and the potash terminal facilities in Courtenay Bay.
Depths at various Port Facilities differ depending on the needs of each terminal. Depths vary between 30 and 42 feet and berths are dredged annually.
Vessel traffic transitting the Bay of Fundy and using the Port of Saint John is monitored by the Canadian Coast Guard Traffic Centre and pilotage at Saint John is compulsory. The Port is ice-free year-round. The prevailing winds are south-westerly.
In general, these tidal conditions do not affect the Port operations. The number of movements on each tide is closely monitored by the Harbour Master who will, where necessary, in consultation with the Harbour pilots, establish priorities on vessel movements to ensure the maximum use of the tide is gained and delays are avoided.
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