Sealift is a vital link for all Nunavut communities and their 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, ocean going ships travel from several southern Canada Ports with a variety of goods ranging from construction materials, vehicles, heavy equipment, house wares and non-perishable items.

Delivery schedules are published and are often met in spite of sometimes extreme weather conditions at sea as understandably due to inclement sailing weather, sea and ice conditions encountered while enroute schedule variations can occur.

Typically, sealift takes place between late June and late October each year.

Prior to creation of the jurisdiction of Nunavut (Our Land), 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 Petroleum Products 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 (including its related entities) 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 (See News Release Below). This year, CGS has also produced a Reference Guide entitled “Meeting Your Re-supply Requirements” which is coming soon. It is particularly important to note the shipping cutoff dates for your community and to address the considerations outlined in the Reference Guide such as packaging, marshalling and receiving requirements to ensure a problem-free sealift order. Should you require further information, please contact:

Traffic Officer
Purchasing, Logistics & Contract Support Services
(867) 975-5437
Toll Free: (888)390-0111
sealift@gov.nu.ca

See the News Release here.

Links to Service Provider's Websites

• NTCL: www.ntcl.com
• NSSI: www.arcticsealift.com
• NEAS: www.neas.ca

Related Documents

Sealift - General Conditions Of Carriage
Section K from the RFP for Arctic Resupply - Dry Cargo

Resupply Program Evaluation - Executive Summary
Arctic Dry Cargo Resupply Program Evaluation - Executive Summary