Toronto, March 25, 2025
Significant delays are affecting intermodal operations at several Canadian ports due to harsh weather conditions, vessel scheduling disruptions and ongoing rail issues.
Key updates include:
Port of Halifax – Experiencing vessel delays due to harsh North Atlantic weather conditions coupled with high import rail-dwell times, a result of high ground counts as well as a shortage of labour. Current dwell times are averaging 18 days, with some containers delayed up to 30 days.
Port of Saint John – Facing productivity issues due to gantry crane problems and IT disruptions, with import rail-dwell times at 11 days, however, much longer delays are common.
Port of Montreal – Recently lifted an export embargo, with current import rail-dwell times at 6 days, but inconsistent railcar supply as well as winter navigation restrictions remain a challenge.
Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert – Grappling with notable delays primarily from major rail issues. While equipment availability remains stable, the rail challenges are causing significant disruptions. Current import rail-dwell is 20-30 days due to major rail issues. Coupled with this are berthing delays at port due to uncertain ship ETAs and rescheduled ships. Upwards of 25% of vessels in Vancouver are awaiting a berth as a result of these compromised ship schedules.
For more information, please feel free to contact me directly.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
