PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Bonny Inshore Terminal
Pilot
updated Jun 2024- Bonny Inshore Terminal boarding place (other vessels) Pilot boards04°10.6′N 007°13.6′E
Compulsory from Bonny Fairway Buoy and available throughout 24hrs. Pilotage is necessary for both inbound and outbound vessels for Bonny Inshore Terminal.
Pilots should be requested via the vessel's agent for both inbound and outbound passages from Bonny Inshore Oil Terminal Maritime Operations.
ETA should be advised 12 hours prior to arrival and any amendments no later than 4 hours prior to arrival.
Key data
updated Jun 2024Size limits
Max LOA 300.00m, beam 52.0m, draught 13.40m and 120,000DWT.
Water density
1015-1020.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 2.0m average and tide is variable. The UKC is dependant on the time of the year and is linked to the height of the swell expected to be encountered in the river channel. MHWS 2.9m and MHWN 1.9.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria LNG Terminal | 13.40 m | 300 m | 2 |
| Bonny River NGL Terminal | 12.20 m | 250 m | 1 |
| Tug Terminal | 5.20 m | 29 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 Jun 2024Approach
Having made the Fairway Buoy (04°12'N., 007°00'E), which is 2nm NE of the pilot boarding position for vessels handling LNG and condensates, and 0.7nm SW of the boarding position for other vessels, the normal track leads NNE to enter the buoyed channel between Nos 1 and 2 Lightbuoys, then through the buoyed channel to cross the bar.
There is a dredged channel, 15km in length with a width of 215m in the seaward channel, which then opens to 296m at No 21 and 22 Buoys, 389m at No 23 and 24 Buoys and 482m at No 25 and 26 Buoys. The channel is dredged to a depth of 12.5m.
The channel is liable to silting. On clearing the NE end of the buoyed channel between Nos 19 and 20 Lightbuoys a small course alteration to port is required to continue up the channel to No 25 and 26 Buoys. Upon clearing these buoys the vessel may then proceed to the berth or anchorage.
Port limits
Port limits are bounded by the parallels of 04°23'N and 04°30'N and by the meridians of 007°00'E and 007°15'E.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained in depths in 17-19m, centred approx 4nm W of the outer fairway lighted buoy. Once anchored, vessels are required to report their date and time of arrival to the port authority via VHF. Anchorage may also be obtained off the old entrance of Cawthorne Channel; there is generally a refreshing sea breeze here but vessels should not anchor close to the entrance.
Anchorage for discharging oil products into coastal tankers may be obtained off Allan Point N of Lat 04°30'N, under supervision of Bonny River pilots. Prohibited anchorage areas are established: Across the channel near the tanker moorings. Within 0.25nm of the submarine oil pipeline laid across the river 1nm N of Bonny Town. Near the pipeline extending 10nm NE from the tanker moorings to Opobo Creek.
Restrictions
The max depth within Bonny River of which a vessel can load is governed by the datum depth in the channel, the height of tide and the UKC allowed.
A Restricted Entry Zone surrounds the berths associated with the port, prior permission must be granted.
Caution must be taken as a stranded wreck is located in close proximity to the BRT Berth. It is reported that the wreck is located at the NE extremity of the dolphin berth. Further caution is needed as the depth changes to 8.5m and silting is evident to the SW of the berth. Extreme depth variation and silting is consistent throughout the Niger Delta, Bonny River and its various tributaries, basins, and dredged channels. Master must be aware that the actual depths may significantly differ from the chart and as a result are advised to contact local authorities for the latest information.
Tugs
Available and used to assist with berthing.
Mooring
Vessels may berth on either the flood or ebb tide. The tide must be stemmed whilst berthing. Vessels may berth from 40 mins before HW and LW, to 40 minutes after HW and LW. It is generally preferred to berth portside to.
Charts and publications
BA 3287, 3286. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Jun 2024ETA and pre-arrival notices
Once within range, vessels must establish connection witht he Bonny Signal Station on VHF Ch 14 to proceed. Vessels are required to maintain a continual listening on VHF Ch 14, 16. Vessels bound for Bonny Terminal are usually requested to arrive at the pilot boarding station for same day berthing. Vessels arriving early are advised to wait for berthing instructions approx 50nm offshore of the Fairway buoy.
Communications
Bonny Inshore Terminal contact info
Telephone: +234 180 390 53130; +234 180 390 53133
Facsimile: +234 184 232 900 (ext. 3152); +442 073 163 888 (ext. 3103)
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Nigerian Ports Authority contact info
VHF: Ch 14
Berthing Master contact info
VHF: Ch 8
Pilots contact info
VHF: Ch 14, 26
Telephone: +234 803 7205133 (mobile)
Email: [email protected]
VTS Bonny Signal Station contact info
VHF: Ch 12, 14, 16
Notices and regulations
In the event that gas or condensate supertankers are manoeuvring within the area, all other vessel movements between the outer fairway lighted buoy and gas berths will be restricted.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Nigeria Ports Authority.
Position: General Security Manager.
Address: 26/28 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: +234 1 264 5894
Fax: +234 1 264 5894
Mob: +234 80 3301 9750.
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jun 2024Medical
Nearest hospital: Nigeria LNG Ltd in partnership with Rivers State Government and Bonny Kingdom facilitates three health facilities in and around the area; Bonny Model Primary Health Centre, Finima Health centre and Bonny Zonal Hospital. NLNG Hospital (5.2km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Finima Air Strip Bonny (3.6km) and Port Harcourt International Airport (69.3km).
Nearest railway: Port Harcourt Railway Station (43.8km).
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Port Harcourt.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Bonny Inshore Terminal
updated Jun 2024Where it is
Bonny Inshore Terminals are situated on the E bank of the Bonny River, Bonny Island, S of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
The port
The Bonny Inshore Terminal, located on Bonny Island, is used as a bulk liquid facility for condensate, LNG and LPG products. The port is made up of two terminals including the NLNG Plant. The plant is a benchmark around the world and currently operates six trains with plans for a seventh. The plant, operational from 1999, currently has an LNG production capacity of 22mtpa and a LPG production capacity of 5mtpa. As a result of the limitations within the Bonny River, ship to ship transfers are regularly carried out in the Bonny inner anchorage to enable vessels to sail up to Onne Port and Port Harcourt.
Questions about Bonny Inshore Terminal
Where does the pilot board at Bonny Inshore Terminal?
The pilot boards at Bonny Inshore Terminal boarding place (other vessels), 04°10.6′N 007°13.6′E.
What time zone is Bonny Inshore Terminal in?
Local time at Bonny Inshore Terminal is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Bonny Inshore Terminal?
The deepest berth listed is at Nigeria LNG Terminal: 13.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Bonny Inshore Terminal?
1015-1020.
Which load line zone is Bonny Inshore Terminal in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Bonny Inshore Terminal?
The UN/LOCODE of Bonny Inshore Terminal is NGBON.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Bonny Inshore Terminal 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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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.