Freetown

Size limits

LOA 398m, Draught 12.0m, Beam 37.4m, 71,122DWT

Water density

1012-1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.6m (springs). 1.3m (neaps).

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

Approach

From seaward it is advisable to approach between the parallels of 08°25'N and 08°30'N, until position can be established by Cape Sierra Leone. This line of approach is recommended.

A vessel should then steer so as to be in line with Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse and the conspicuous hotel on Aberdeen Hill, bearing 095.5°, before closing within 2nm of the cape. Vessels should keep to this alignment, which leads, in depths of 11.0m, over the tail of the shoal 1nm W of the cape, passing approx 2.25 cables S of the Fairway Lightbuoy, until Carpenter Rock bears 154°. Course should then be altered to pass N of Cape Sierra Leone in order to clear Carpenter rock.

Slightly deeper water may be obtained by approaching the Lighthouse bearing 090°. This track leads 400m S of the S end of the shoal with 9.1m depth, marked by the Fairway Lightbuoy. When Carpenter Rock bears 139°, course should then be altered to 068° which leads 0.35nm NW of Cape Sierra Leone in a least depth of 11.3m.

Leading lights are established on Cline Point, 0.5nm SE of Fourah Point, in line bearing 127°.

Front light: Metal tripod, 5m in height.

Rear light: Metal framework tower on a building, 12m in height, 42m SE of the front light.

Caution: The aids to navigation in the port and river are reported to be unreliable. They may be missing, unlit or out of position. Vessels should navigate with particular caution.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There are no special traffic schemes.

Anchorages

Anchorages numbered "D1"-"D3" from Cline Point and "F8"-"F11" from Falcon Bridge, good holding ground. No restriction on LOA. Max draught 14.6m. Minimum five shackles of cable recommended.

Quarantine anchorage is situated 08°31.03'N 013°14.72'W, S of the Middle Ground.

Restrictions

Berthing at the Kissy Oil Jetty takes place during daylight flood tide only, max 35,000DWT, draught 11.2m.

Unberthing is not permitted from 1 hour after HW until 1 hour after LW at Berths No 1, 1A and 2.

Tugs

One tug of 480t bollard pull.

Mooring

Berthing information is supplied by the agent.

Charts and publications

BA 623, 625, 614. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

Communications

VHF: Freetown Port Control: Ch 16, 14. Tel: +232 22 250111, Fax: + 232 22 250616. Email: [email protected].

Pilots and tug: Ch 16, 14. Available throughout 24 hours.

Notice of readiness

Not generally issued as cargo work commences immediately after Customs and Immigration formalities are completed.

Health

International Health Certificate is required.

Customs and immigration

Valid passports or Seaman's Books are to be presented to Immigration on arrival so shore passes can be issued to the crew. If there are any passengers, they should produce valid travel documents.

Boarding and working permits are to be lodged 4 hours prior to arrival by the agent responsible for the vessel's stay in port.

Flags

Port of registry flag, courtesy flag and usual signal flags are to be exhibited.

Vessels carrying dangerous goods are to display flag "B" of the International Code of Signals.

Notices and regulations

Small craft: Within the limits of the port, small craft shall at all times give way to ocean going vessels under way.

Rat guards: Rat guards are to be placed when alongside the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

Dangerous goods: Notice is to be given to the General Manager before arrival that a vessel is carrying dangerous goods. No explosives or other dangerous goods are to be landed, shipped or transhipped except with the authority of the General Manager.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Sierra Leone Maritime Administration.

Position: Executive Director.

Address:PO Box 313, Maritime House, Government Wharf Ferry Terminal, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Tel: +232 22 221211

Fax: +232 22 221215

Mob: +232 76 601805

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: Pepel is currently out of use whilst it is repaired following damage caused during the rebel war. As soon as the port is planned to commence business a full survey will be completed and a security plan written.

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

There is a marine slipway available with a limited capacity of 600t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at the quays. Not available at Kissy Oil jetty (KOJ).

Bunkering: Available by road tanker on the quays and at Kissy Oil Jetty.

Medical

A clinic is situated in the port area and hospitals located in the city. Ambulance on duty in the quay area during cargo working hours.

Crew change

Possible alongside or at the anchorage.

Transport

Nearest airport: Lungi International (19km).

Airport facilities: Full international facilities.

Working hours

Import cargo 0800-1900hrs. Containers and export cargo throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Freetown is the capital and principal port of Sierra Leone, situated on the S coast of West Africa.

The port

The port which serves as the major logistics hub for Sierra Leone , operates container cargo and other bulk and break bulk cargo at Queen Elizabeth II Terminal. The port also handles petroleum products and LPG cargo at Kissy Oil Terminal.

Traffic

Approx 9,000,000t of cargo, 100,000TEU and 500 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Freetown?

Vessels less than 20,000DWT with draught less than 9.1m may enter without a pilot, but pilotage is compulsory for vessels berthing at Queen Elizabeth ll Quay or Kissy Oil Jetty.

What time zone is Freetown in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Freetown?

The deepest berth listed is at Kissy Oil Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Freetown?

1012-1025.

Which load line zone is Freetown in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Freetown?

The UN/LOCODE of Freetown is SLFNA.

What crews who called at Freetown 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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