The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced the cargo rates for the upcoming 2026 sailing season for Marine Transportation Services. As the main hub for these marine resupply operations, Hay River will once again serve as the starting point for shipping essential goods to 11 northern communities.
These annual rate adjustments are calculated based on the Consumer Price Index and other operational factors. For the 2026 season, residents and businesses should account for an 18% fuel surcharge that will be applied in addition to the base shipping rates. General cargo rates departing from the Port of Hay River will range from $357 per 1,000 kilograms or 2.5 cubic metres for destinations like Tulita and Norman Wells, up to $685 for shipments to Kugluktuk.
Marine Transportation Services has been managed by the Department of Infrastructure since 2017 and relies on a fleet of tugboats to move goods across the Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake, and the Western Arctic. The service continues to navigate operational complexities following a difficult 2023 season, which was marked by low water levels and evacuations that forced changes to standard delivery routes. In response to these ongoing challenges, the government is conducting an independent review of how the service is governed and operated.
Work also continues at the Hay River Harbour to ensure the facility remains ready for the busy shipping months. Since 2023, crews have been working to remove sediment buildup that can hinder navigation, as part of a broader commitment to maintaining reliable marine access for northern residents and businesses.
