Saison de navigation et conditions fluviales
Une assurance sur marchandises transportées par voie maritime protège votre investissement contre les éventuels retards, pertes et dommages. Sans assurance sur marchandises, tout le fret est manipulé, stocké et transporté au risque de l’expéditeur, du propriétaire et du destinataire.
Au moment de réserver votre transport, il est recommandé de discuter des options qui s’offrent à vous avec votre transporteur afin de déterminer ce qui vous convient.
En respectant les principes de base d’un bon emballage, vos marchandises sont plus susceptibles d’arriver dans l’état où elles étaient lors du chargement:
- Les marchandises peuvent être transportées sur le pont ou dans la cale du bateau. Assurez-vous que vos marchandises sont protégées contre les intempéries.
- Remplissez et apposez les étiquettes appropriées sur les boîtes ou les conteneurs.
- Assurez-vous d’avoir votre numéro de réservation et votre numéro d’assurance à portée de main, et de remplir tous les autres documents nécessaires.
- Consultez le formulaire Bordereau de réservation d’espace et formulaire d’assurance sur marchandises et de décharge de responsabilité ou communiquez avec le service à la clientèle du Service de transport maritime.
How MTS Plans the Sailing Season
MTS uses a combination of hydrological data, field observations, and operational expertise to plan each shipping season.
Before the season begins, MTS reviews:
- Snowpack levels in key river basins, including the Peace and Liard
- Spring melt conditions
- River flow forecasts and water level data
These indicators help estimate whether water levels are likely to support a typical shipping season.
Conditions are also assessed on the ground. In some cases, additional surveys are required to confirm whether navigation is possible, particularly in shallow or high-risk areas.
MTS also relies on the Canadian Coast Guard to install navigational buoys that mark safe channels. Shipping cannot begin until these are in place.
What Affects Sailing and Cargo Capacity
Water levels directly affect how MTS operates throughout the season.
Each vessel has specific draft and weight limitations. MTS uses current water level data to determine:
- How much cargo can be safely loaded
- Which routes are navigable
- When vessels can safely travel
As conditions change, cargo loads, timing, and routing may be adjusted.
Planning for Changing Conditions
Low water or other disruptions do not stop resupply to northern communities.
MTS builds flexibility into its operations and works with partners to adjust logistics as needed. This may include:
- Winter roads
- Air transport for urgent or essential goods
- Alternate routing or staging of cargo
These approaches help ensure communities continue to receive essential supplies.
Fuel and Essential Goods
Fuel for heating and power generation is carefully planned and managed throughout the year.
The GNWT monitors fuel inventories in communities and coordinates resupply using available transportation options to help ensure fuel and other essential goods are delivered.
Safety First
Safety is always the top priority.
MTS must determine whether water levels are sufficient to allow for safe transit. Final decisions during the sailing season are made by vessel captains based on real-time conditions to ensure the safety of crew, cargo, and the environment.
Final safety decisions made by vessel captains cannot be overruled when conditions are unsafe.
Current Season Outlook
Snowpack and early-season conditions are one of several factors used to assess the upcoming shipping season.
While early indicators can provide some insight, conditions can change quickly. Final decisions depend on real-time water levels, surveys, and channel conditions.