PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Ango-Ango
Pilot
updated Mar 2024Compulsory for vessels over 500GT, and is arranged through the port of Banana. Pilotage is only available during daylight hours and an ETA must be sent between 6 and 2 days and finally 24hrs prior to arrival. Pilots will board in position 6°02'34.2''S., 12°24'24.6'E (between Stella Buoy No. 2 and Pointe Bulabemba) or in the vicinity of Buoy No. 16 (6°02'13.8''S., 12°33'34.2''E.).
Key data
updated Mar 2024Size limits
Max LOA 195.0m, beam 36.0m, draught 7.6m and 55,869DWT.
Tides
There is a strong current experienced at the port and in particular at the Ango Ango Petroleum Terminal. Rates may be experienced of up to 3 to 7kts, depending on the height of the river.
The mean river level at Matadi is approx 26m above mean sea level.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Cargo Terminal | 7.60 m | 190 m | 2 |
| Lerexcom Petroleum Terminal | 7.20 m | 183 m | 2 |
| Ango Ango Petroleum Terminal | 7.16 m | 195 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Mar 2024Approach
The approach to the port is made from the mouth of the Congo River at the S Atlantic Ocean. The entrance to the mouth of the river is located between the Port of Banana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Port of Soyo, Angola. From the mouth of the Congo River, vessels travel upstream 63.5nm ENE.
Due to varying depths along the Congo River, authorities should be contacted in advance for the latest depth information.
Restrictions
Main engines must be kept on standby throughout stay.
For vessels travelling along the Congo River, they must be aware that during the rainy season, the current is very rapid and may carry floating islands of papyrus and water hyacinths. The current may also sweep away the buoys marking the channels.
Tugs
Not available.
Reporting before arrival
updated Mar 2024ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be sent 5 days in advance and confirmed 24 hours in advance of arrival, via the port of Banana.
Communications
S.E.P. Congo contact info
Telephone: +243 819 022 612
Banana pilot contact info
Telephone: +243 819 010 409
VHF: Ch 16
Customs and immigration
S.E.P. Customs telephone: +243 855 106 765
Notices and regulations
As pilotage is only accessible during daylight hours, vessels may use either Boma or Ango-Ango to anchor overnight if there is insufficient time to reach Matadi.
Inspections
ISPS
Designated Authority: Ministere des Transport & Communication. Direction de la Marine Marchande.
Contact: Director.
Address: Av Poids Lourds, Chantier, Naval de la Regie des Vies Fluviales 2356, Kinshasa, Gombe, Congo Democratic Republic.
Tel: +243 992 7710
Email: [email protected].
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be subject to increased attention and are more likely to be boarded and inspected due to their country's failure to maintain effective anti terrorism measures.
Port services
updated Mar 2024Medical
Nearest hospital: Numerous medical centres and hospitals are located in Matadi.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aeroport de Boma (BOA) (41km).
About Ango-Ango
updated Mar 2024Where it is
Ango-Ango is located on the E bank of the Congo River, approx 2.5nm downstream from Matadi, to the S of the Chaudron d'Enfer, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The port
Ango-Ango is a multi-functional port and able to cater for both bulk and liquid cargo. Liquid cargo berths line the banks of the Congo River, capable of handling: aviation fuel, petroleum products and palm oils. A bulk cargo terminal is located amongst the liquid cargo berths and is used to handle cargoes including; general, dry bulk, container and reefers. The port may also be used by vessels not powerful enough to negotiate the Chaudron d'Enfer.
Questions about Ango-Ango
What are the pilot arrangements at Ango-Ango?
Compulsory for vessels over 500GT, and is arranged through the port of Banana.
What time zone is Ango-Ango in?
Local time at Ango-Ango is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Ango-Ango?
The deepest berth listed is at Dry Cargo Terminal: 7.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Ango-Ango?
The UN/LOCODE of Ango-Ango is CDANG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Ango-Ango say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.