Sealift Services
Sealift is a vital link for all Nunavut communities and residents to obtain their annual re-supply of goods and materials needed throughout the year. It remains the most economical way to transport bulk goods to the Arctic.
Each year, ships travel from several southern Canadian ports with a variety of goods ranging from construction materials, vehicles, heavy equipment, house wares and non-perishable items.
Typically, sealift takes place between late June and late October each year.
Delivery schedules are published and are often met in spite of extreme weather conditions at sea. Schedule variations can occur due to inclement sailing weather, and sea and ice conditions encountered while on route to communities.
Before the creation of Nunavut, the Canadian Coast Guard provided organizational and logistical support in meeting the eastern Arctic’s dry cargo and bulk fuel requirements through a variety of carriers. This responsibility was later transferred to the Government of Nunavut (GN). As the government’s primary contract authority, the Department of Community and Government Services (CGS) is responsible for annual dry cargo re-supply and the Petroleum Products Division is responsible for bulk fuel re-supply.
CGS continues to perform a critical role through provision of logistical support and coordination of sealift activities for the government. The GN relies on the designated carriers to transport the needed goods and materials to its offices in each community. Nunavut-based individuals and businesses can also benefit from the same terms and conditions that the GN has negotiated with these designated carriers.
To obtain further information on how to use sealift to meet your re-supply needs, additional information is available through this site and by referring to the designated carrier for your community.
CGS has also produced a Reference Guide entitled "How to Sealift"
To ensure a problem-free sealift order, please note the shipping cut-off dates for your community and other considerations such as packaging, marshalling and receiving requirements outlined in the Reference Guide.
For further information, please contact:
Purchasing, Logistics & Contract Support Services
(867) 975-5437
(888) 390-0111
sealift@gov.nu.ca
Documents
Links to Service Providers
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