The Historic Charlottetown Seaport is the busiest common-user marine terminal facility in Prince Edward Island. The port is owned and operated by the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc., (CHAI). CHAI is a community based company with membership from community stakeholder groups that took over ownership of the port under Transport Canada’s Divestiture Program in April, 2005. CHAI was established to promote the development and growth of the Charlottetown Historic Seaport.

One of the primary users of the port is the cruise vessel industry. Cruise ship visitation is increasing and provides a significant economic contribution to the provincial tourism industry. The port is essential to Prince Edward Island’s provincial highway and commercial construction needs. Sand, gravel, petroleum products and agricultural fertilizer are major commodities shipped into the port while potatoes and other Cole crops are exported.