Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods are products or substances regulated under the Canada Shipping Act and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDG).

Transport Canada is the organization responsible for the coordination of work while promoting public safety as related to the transportation of dangerous goods.

Transport Canada
Canada Shipping Act
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
Natural Resources Canada

Import: Dangerous Goods that are being loaded onto the vessel. This is classified as handling.

Export: Dangerous Goods that are being unloaded from the vessel. This is classified as handling

In Transit: Dangerous Goods that are remaining onboard the vessel.

Storage: Dangerous Goods that are placed on the terminal awaiting its next mode of transportation in the supply chain for specific periods of time.

Halifax Port Authority Dangerous Goods

In respect to the guidelines surrounding the movement of Class 1, 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) and 7 Dangerous Goods through marine facilities, The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) requires advanced notification and preapproval for all movements of Class 1, 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) and 7 Dangerous Goods applicable to import, export or in transit bookings. Notification shall be received and approved by HPA prior to Class 1, 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) and 7 Dangerous Goods being loaded onto a vessel calling Halifax.  All other Dangerous Goods must be submitted prior to vessel arrival and departure of the Port of Halifax.

For applications and submissions follow this link: https://www.portofhalifax.ca/port-operations-centre/#!/dg

For additional information and instructions on how to apply please contact DG@portofhalifax.ca.

For information on Class 1 and 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) Dangerous Goods click here.

Safety Requirements while in Port

• Class 1 Dangerous Goods are to be the first to be unloaded and the last to be loaded on the vessel. Class 1 Dangerous Goods are not to be unloaded from the vessel unless the means of transport are on the terminal and ready to receive.
• Storage is only permitted for Class 1.4 at the South End Container Terminal at specific locations. For more information contact the terminal operator, PSA Halifax.
• There is no storage permitted of Class 5.1 Ammonium Nitrate.
• Vessels carrying Class 1 Dangerous Goods are to be berthed with the bow oriented to sea.
• No hot work is permitted while Class 1 Dangerous Goods are being handled.
• No bunkering is permitted while the vessel is handling Class 1 Dangerous Goods.

The HPA is responsible to approve the Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) of Class 1 and 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) Dangerous Goods through the Port of Halifax. Safe operation and handling is the responsibility of the Terminal Operator.

What is Required for Approval of Class 1 Dangerous Goods

1. The assigned Division Number and Compatibility Group Letter for the Class 1 Dangerous Goods. If there is more than one classification of Class 1 Dangerous Goods in the consignment, the Division Number and Compatibility Group Letter for each item must be indicated separately.
2. The total NEQ of the Class 1 Dangerous Goods expressed in kilograms/container must be indicated. If there is more than one division of Class 1 Dangerous Goods in the consignment, the total NEQ expressed in kilograms for each different Division Number and Compatibility Group Letter must be indicated separately.
3. The Vessel name and Estimated Time of Arrival
4. The Voyage number
5. The cargo status must clearly indicate Import, Export or In Transit
6. The Port of Loading and the Port of Discharge
7. Container number and number of containers
8. The UN number
9. The declaration of dangerous goods

What is Required for Approval of Class 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) Dangerous Goods

1. The Class and UN number.
2. The total weight of the Class 5.1 (Ammonium Nitrate) expressed in kilograms/container must be indicated.
3. The Vessel name and Estimated Time of Arrival
4. The Voyage number
5. The cargo status must clearly indicate Import, Export or In Transit (retained on board). Storage on terminals are not permitted.
6. The Port of Loading and the Port of Discharge
7. Container number and number of containers
8. The declaration of dangerous goods

What is Required for Approval of Class and 7 Dangerous Goods

9. The Class and UN number.
10. The Vessel name and Estimated Time of Arrival
11. The Voyage number
12. The cargo status must clearly indicate Import, Export or In Transit (retained on board)
13. The Port of Loading and the Port of Discharge
14. Container number and number of containers
15. The declaration of dangerous goods

All Other Dangerous Goods

All other Dangerous Goods are to be submitted in the form of a manifest through this link: https://www.portofhalifax.ca/port-operations-centre/#!/dg