Banjul

1. Banjul pilot boarding place Pilot boards13°31.7′N 016°34.9′W

Size limits

LOA 228m, beam 32.26m , 56,010DWT

Water density

1024.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range, max 2.3m, min 0.4m (springs).

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Fairway No 1 is in position 13°33.6'N 016°54.9'W.

The approach channel length is 25nm, width 2nm, max depth 18.5m, min depth is 8.54m.

Directions: Tide: Follows the direction of the river i.e. flood and ebb.

Vessels approaching the estuary from N should shape a course for Fairway "No 1" Lightbuoy, allowing for the current according to the season of the year. Soundings should be frequently verified and the depth is not expected to be less than 15m until near Fairway "No 1" Lightbuoy.

A power vessel should have no difficulty in entering or leaving the River Gambia and a depth of not less than 8.0m should be found at LW in the channel between "No 2" Lightbuoy and "No 3" Lightbuoy.

From "No 3" Lightbuoy the vessel should shape courses as required along the leading line to pass close N of "No 4" Lightbuoy, then to the pilot station E of "No 5" Lightbuoy; then into Banjul port.

When in the vicinity of African Knoll, great care must be taken to allow for the tidal streams which set strongly across the Knoll and Middle Ground; and also sweeps strongly past Banjul.

Port limits

The port limits are defined by Buoy No 5, position 13°31.0'N 016°35.2'W.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Not yet in operation.

Anchorages

Anchorage available off Banjul, 0.2-0.5nm cables off Government Wharf in depths from 22.0-26.0m.

Restrictions

Vessels may enter and proceed to anchorage at all times and stages of tides.

Tugs

Available.

Mooring

Normal moorings will include 3 headlines and 2 forward springs, 3 stern lines and 2 aft springs. A small mooring boat used to take lines to the dolphins.

Charts and publications

BA 608. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Gambia Ports Authority.

Address: PO Box 617, Liberation Avenue, Banjul, Gambia.

Tel: +220 7266/227 269/227 270.

Fax: +220 7268.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

A slipway is available through a private company for vessels up to 500t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available from Elf and Shell.

Medical

Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, 2.0km.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Banjul International Airport, 23km.

Airport facilities: International flights.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The port of Banjul is located on St Mary's Island on the River Gambia, 26nm from the sea, approx 40nm SE of Dakar.

The port

Banjul is the main port for The Gambia and the gateway to W Africa. The multipurpose port has facilities for handling containers, break bulk, liquid and dry bulk, Ro-Ro, as well as neo-bulk cargoes.

Traffic

Approx 700,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Banjul?

The pilot boards at Banjul pilot boarding place, 13°31.7′N 016°34.9′W.

What time zone is Banjul in?

Local time at Banjul is UTC+0. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Banjul?

The deepest berth listed is at Port of Banjul: 8.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Banjul?

1024.

Which load line zone is Banjul in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Banjul?

The UN/LOCODE of Banjul is GMBJL.

What crews who called at Banjul 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.

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