Gonaives

Size limits

Max LOA 76.61m, beam 12.22m and 1,290DWT.

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

Approach

Baie des Gronaives is approached with the conspicuous rocky cliff on the SE of Morne Bienac ahead bearing 058°.

Anchorages

An anchorage, open to the W, is available in the bay and vessels of moderate draught can proceed into Baie Grammont (S of Gonaives) where they can lie in depths of approx 6m-8m, mud bottom.

Vessels with deeper draughts may anchor in depths of 11m-12.8m, mud and sand bottom. The anchorage is in an area with the conspicuous white bluff, located 0.86nm ENE of Pointe Lefevre, bearing 000° and the town church bearing 087°.

Restrictions

Uncharted wrecks lie close to the pier and extreme caution is advised when approaching this berth. Silting is likely in the area and caution must be taken.

Caution must be advised due to the fact that the E of the anchorage depths shoal rapidly.

As of 2023, an abandoned derelict vessel is located at the North Berth resulting in it being inaccessible.

Mooring

Berthing operations during daylight hours only.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Autorite Portuaire Nationale.

Position:Safety Director.

Address: PO Box 616, Boulevard La Saline, Port au Prince, Haiti

Tel: +509 298 4074

Fax: +509 298 3479

Mob: +509 402 0258

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

Where it is

Gonaives is located at the head of Baie des Gronaives, in western Haiti.

The port

Gonaives is a small port made up of a pier that protrudes W from the shoreline. The two berths associated with the port are dilapidated and have been unmaintained. The South Berth, on the pier, has all but completely collapsed and as a result it is only used by small recreational fishing vessels, local cargo vessels and coastal traders. The North Berth, on the pier, has partially collapsed at the southern section however a vessel has been abandoned and left derelict at this berth. This has meant that the berth is currently inaccessible. The boulders of the collapsed sections have been stacked on the pier meaning the it has restricted access.

What are the pilot arrangements at Gonaives?

Pilots are not available locally but can be ordered from Port-au-Prince with prior notice.

What time zone is Gonaives in?

Local time at Gonaives is UTC−5. Clocks go to UTC−4 on 14 Mar 2027. Back to UTC−5 on 7 Nov 2027.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Gonaives?

The UN/LOCODE of Gonaives is HTGVS.

What crews who called at Gonaives 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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