Bissau

Size limits

LOA 199.99m, beam 32.6m, draught 10.4m, 64,410DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 5.5m.

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

Approach

The usual channels of approach to Bissau are Canal do Geba on the N side of the estuary, which is the best approach and Canal de Orango on the S side of the estuary, which joins Canal do Geba 12nm SW of Bissau via Canal de Canhabaque, Canal de Bolama and Canal de Pedro Alvares.

A bar extends across Canal do Geba from the coast between Ponta Prainha and Ponta Bernafel on the N side to Baixo do Arriscado and Baixos do Gancho on the S side. The bar has general depths of 7.0m to 11.0m over it. Usually vessels drawing less than 7.0m can proceed to Bissau at all states of the tide without difficulty, vessels drawing between 7.0m and 10.0m must make use of the tide and navigate with caution. Care should be taken to allow for the strong tidal stream which sets across the approach.

Anchorages

Anchorage Berths: There are seven numbered anchorages charted in the waterway (Canal do Geba) with depths from 10.0m to 14.0m, in mud bottom.

Prohibited anchorage: Owing to the existence of submarine cables, vessels are warned not to anchor SW of a line joining the radio masts, 0.5nm WNW of the cathedral, and the S extremity of Ilheu do Rei.

Tugs

Tugs are not available.

Charts and publications

BA 1664, 1724. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

The port Maritime Services should be notified when the vessel is 24 hours from Caio Island.

Communications

VHF: Port and pilots: Ch 16.

Port Authority: Tel: +245 204110, Fax: +245 204114.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates issued.

ISPS

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

ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from any ports in Guinea Bissau 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.

Repairs

Small repairs only. Slipway located at 11° 51.372'N 15° 34.800'W.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel fuel is available.

Stores: Available in limited quantities.

Medical

Hospital in Bissau.

Transport

Nearest airport: Osvaldo Vieira Airport, 7km.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1230hrs, 1500-1800hrs; overtime available on request. Sundays and some holidays can be worked by prior agreement.

Where it is

Bissau is located on the W coast of Guinea-Bissau on the northern bank of the Canal do Geba.

The port

Bissau is the main cargo port for Guinea-Bissau with quays for general cargo, containers and oil products, seven anchorage berths and a fishing port are also available.

Main imports are cement and general cargo.

Exports include fish, groundnuts, palm kernels, timber and vegetable oil.

What are the pilot arrangements at Bissau?

Compulsory. Pilot boards in position 11°49.7'N 016°20.1'W (0.8nm SW of Ponta de Caio Light) approx 50nm from the port.

What time zone is Bissau in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Bissau?

The deepest berth listed is at Port of Bissau: 10.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Bissau?

1025.

Which load line zone is Bissau in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Bissau?

The UN/LOCODE of Bissau is GWOXB.

What crews who called at Bissau 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.

Read and add tips for Bissau →