UN/LOCODE: CABAT📍 Canada
Port of Bathurst (UN/LOCODE CABAT)
❖ Coordinates: 47.6184°N, -65.6513°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Halifax
❖ UN/LOCODE: CABAT
## About the Port
Bathurst Port (UN/LOCODE **CABAT**) is a medium‑sized, government‑operated harbor located on the northeast coast of **New Brunswick, Canada**. Situated at **47.6183507 °N, ‑65.6513358 °W** within the Atlantic‑time zone (America/Halifax), the port serves as a strategic gateway for bulk and break‑bulk cargoes moving between the Atlantic seaboard, the inland Saint John River basin, and the broader North‑American market.
The port’s jurisdiction falls under the **Bathurst Port Authority**, which reports to Transport Canada’s Marine and Ports Division. Its operational calendar aligns with the seasonal ice regime of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with a primary navigation window extending from late March to early November. The harbor’s deepwater approach, combined with modern loading equipment, supports vessels up to **13 m draft** and **45 000 gt**.
Key identifiers that enhance discoverability in maritime databases and SEO platforms include: **Bathurst port**, **Cabot Strait gateway**, **New Brunswick maritime hub**, and **Atlantic Canada cargo terminal**.
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## History
### Early Settlement and Timber Trade (18th–19th centuries)
The natural harbor at Bathurst was first exploited by French and later British settlers for the **timber export trade** that underpinned the early colonial economy of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. By the 1830s, the **Bathurst Railway Company** linked the port to interior spruce and pine forests, establishing the first intermodal flow of timber logs onto ships bound for Europe and the United States.
### Industrial Expansion (Early 20‑20th centuries)
The discovery of **lead‑zinc ore** and the development of the **Minto smelter** in the 1920s transformed Bathurst into a diversified export hub. During World War II, the port handled military supplies and served as a convoy assembly point for Atlantic convoys, a role documented in the **National Archives of Canada**.
### Modernization and Port Authority Formation (1970s–1990s)
In response to declining traditional cargoes, the provincial government invested in **containerization infrastructure** and deepening of the approach channel. The **Bathurst Port Authority** was formally incorporated in 1993, consolidating management of harbour operations, safety, and environmental compliance under a single public corporation.
### 21st‑Century Revitalisation (2000‑present)
Recent decades have seen targeted capital projects aimed at attracting **renewable‑energy components**, **forest‑products pellets**, and **specialty chemicals**. The port’s **Strategic Growth Plan (2021‑2026)** emphasizes digitalisation, low‑carbon fuel adoption, and integration with the **National Freight Framework** to sustain competitiveness in the Atlantic corridor.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Quays
| Berth | Length (m) | Max Draft (m) | Primary Cargo |
|------|------------|---------------|---------------|
| 1 – General Cargo | 210 | 12.5 | Break‑bulk, containers |
| 2 – Bulk Grain | 180 | 13.0 | Grain, feed |
| 3 – Liquid Bulk | 150 | 11.8 | Petroleum, chemicals |
| 4 – Forestry Products | 165 | 12.0 | Wood chips, pallets |
All berths are equipped with **hydraulic gantry cranes (35 t capacity)**, mobile freight elevators, and shore‑power plugs that enable vessels to run on **alternative maritime fuels** while docked.
### Storage and Handling
- **Covered Warehouses:** 22 000 m² of climate‑controlled space, suitable for perishables and high‑value goods.
- **Open‑Stowage Yards:** 140 000 m² of asphalt‑paved area capable of stacking bulk aggregates, timber, and containerised cargo.
- **Dedicated Grain Silos:** 12 000 t capacity, supplied by a chain‑link conveyor system linked to the grain berth.
### Intermodal Connectivity
- **Rail:** A **CN‑controlled spur line** connects the port to the **Canadian National Railway** network, providing a direct 1 500 km link to the **Great Lakes** and the **U.S. Midwest**.
- **Road:** The **Route 11** highway offers year‑round truck access, while a **dedicated container‑handling lane** reduces congestion during peak periods.
- **Air:** Proximity (≈ 12 km) to **Bathurst Airport (CYBT)** facilitates air‑freight for high‑value, time‑critical shipments.
### Safety, Security & Environmental Systems
The port adheres to **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code** standards, employing CCTV, 24‑hour patrols, and an on‑site **Customs‑Bureau of Immigration** checkpoint. Environmental stewardship follows the **Canada Marine Act** mandates, featuring a **tidal‑flow monitoring system**, oil spill containment booms, and a **Zero‑Emission Shore Power (ZESP)** pilot program slated for full deployment by 2027.
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Employment
Bathurst Port directly employs roughly **350** permanent staff, with an additional **1 200** indirect jobs supported through logistics, vessel provisioning, and ancillary services. The port contributes an estimated **CAD 350 million** annually to the **New Brunswick GDP**, representing about **4 %** of the province’s total maritime economic output.
### Export‑Import Balance
The port’s cargo throughput in **2023** reached **5.8 million tonnes**, split between **3.2 Mt of exports** and **2.6 Mt of imports**. Principal export commodities include:
- **Lumber and wood pellets** – driven by European demand for renewable‑energy feedstock.
- **Granite and crushed stone** – supporting construction projects in the Northeastern United States.
- **Agricultural grains** – sourced from the Saint John River basin and shipped to Caribbean markets.
Key import lines focus on:
- **Refined petroleum products** for New Brunswick’s domestic consumption.
- **Specialty chemicals** required by the regional manufacturing sector.
- **Machinery and vehicle parts** destined for the Atlantic Canada auto‑parts supply chain.
### Strategic Role in National Logistics
Bathurst Port is a pivotal node in Canada’s **Atlantic Trade Corridor**, complementing larger terminals in Halifax and Saint John. Its capacity for handling **non‑containerized bulk** provides a niche that relieves pressure on congested container hubs, thereby enhancing resilience across the national freight system. Moreover, the port’s **cold‑chain capabilities** support Canada’s growing export of perishable seafood (e.g., lobster and scallops) to Asian markets.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Shipping Lanes
| Destination Region | Typical Vessel Type | Avg. Transit Time (days) |
|--------------------|---------------------|--------------------------|
| **Europe (UK, Netherlands, Germany)** | Pan‑amax bulk carriers | 12–14 |
| **Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Haiti)** | Handy‑size bulkers | 7–9 |
| **U.S. Northeast (New York, Boston)** | Container feeders / Ro‑Ro | 2–3 |
| **U.S. Midwest (via Great Lakes)** | Lake‑compatible barges | 10–12 |
The port also serves as a **transshipment point** for cargo destined for the **Saint Lawrence Seaway**, leveraging the extensive rail‑to‑water corridor that connects to **Port of Montreal** and **Port of Trois‑Rivières**.
### Major Cargo Profiles
| Cargo Category | Volume (2023) | Loading/Unloading Method |
|----------------|--------------|--------------------------|
| **Lumber & Wood Pellets** | 1.4 Mt | Bulk discharge via conveyor, containerised pallets |
| **Granite (stone)** | 0.9 Mt | Crane‑assisted break‑bulk |
| **Grain (wheat, barley)** | 0.8 Mt | Ship‑loader and silo system |
| **Petroleum (diesel, gasoline)** | 0.6 Mt | Pipeline‑to‑berth pump‑out |
| **Chemicals (industrial solvents)** | 0.4 Mt | Tanker mooring with hazardous cargo protocols |
| **Frozen Seafood** | 0.3 Mt | Refrigerated container (reefers) |
The **Atlantic Ocean** remains the dominant corridor, with **European ports** handling over **45 %** of outgoing bulk shipments. Emerging trade patterns show a modest rise in **East Asian imports** of high‑value manufactured goods, facilitated by **container feeders** that connect Bathurst to larger trans‑Atlantic hubs.
### Future Trade Outlook
Continued investment in **green infrastructure**—including electrified dockside power and **hydrogen‑fuel support**—positions Bathurst Port to capture a larger share of the **low‑carbon maritime market**, especially as European importers tighten sustainability criteria. The **Canadian Renewable Energy Export Strategy** (2024) earmarks Bathurst as a primary export terminal for **bio‑fuels and wood‑based pellets**, projecting a **15 % cargo growth** by 2030.
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*For detailed statistical data, see the Government of Canada’s **Maritime Statistics Database** (https://www.statcan.gc.ca) and the **Port of Bathurst annual report** (https://www.bathurstport.ca).*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
CABAT
Country
Canada
Province / Region
New Brunswick
Latitude
47.618351
Longitude
-65.651336
Timezone
America/Halifax
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Bathurst?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Bathurst is CABAT.
Where is Port of Bathurst located?
The Port of Bathurst is located in Canada, New Brunswick. Its coordinates are 47.6184°N, -65.6513°E.
What time zone is Port of Bathurst in?
Port of Bathurst operates in the America/Halifax time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.36 m
Wave Direction298°
Swell Height0.1 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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