Anchorages are a vital component of the Canadian transportation framework. Vessels use them as safe haven for required pre-loading inspections, to wait for berth availability or the arrival of specific commodities to coastal terminals, and to progress preparations for voyages to global markets. Despite the goal of shippers to manage cargoes responsibly with “just in time delivery,” ships may make multiple visits to terminals from anchorages until they are fully and safely loaded for a trans-Pacific voyage. Of the over 13,400 movements of vessels on the west coast of Canada in 2023, 23% of these were to or from anchorages.
Vessels anchor within recognized ports under the Canada Marine Act and in coastal waters outside of ports in designated locations. While the right to anchor a vessel is part of the common law pertaining to safe navigation, in reality, large commercial vessels adhere to protocols for anchoring vessels that have been developed and amended over decades to reflect changes in vessel design, and an increased understanding of social, cultural, and environmental impacts. Transport Canada regulates all vessel operations in Canadian waters, including those at anchor, under the Canada Shipping Act and its associated regulations. Ships must also comply with all other related Canadian statutes, such as the Oceans Act and the Species at Risk Act.
Almost all commercial vessels that anchor have a contract to move a specific cargo. The date at which a vessel arrives in port, or anchors is determined by a commercial agreement called a Charter Party. This commercial agreement must estimate when a commodity, such as grain, will be available in sufficient quantities at a port and when the ship should be available and cargo worthy to load the cargo. There are several factors that influence these timings, including: the harvesting period, transportation from origin to a port by truck and/or rail, inclement weather, and the efficiency and productivity of cargo operation at a terminal. It is a complex formula that increasingly leverages supply chain data and artificial intelligence.
In choosing a location to anchor a vessel safely, there are many factors to be considered. There must be suitable holding ground, an appropriate depth of water for the vessel and for the anchor cable to hold the vessel, an appropriate amount of room for the vessel to “swing” on its cable, safe passage to the area, and ideally shelter from inclement weather. Additionally, vessels at anchor should avoid unintended impacts to other users of the waterway, and minimize social, cultural, and environmental impacts. British Columbia Coast Pilots are responsible for navigating commercial vessels safely in coastal waters, including anchoring operations. The Pacific Pilotage Authority is responsible for pilot dispatch services and are an interface between the industry and Transport Canada from a pilotage perspective
