PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Koko
Pilot
updated May 2010Available but not compulsory. Berthing takes place during daylight only.
Key data
updated Jul 2018Size limits
Largest vessel handled: LOA 140m; draught 6.4m.
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 2.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koko Terminal | 6.40 m | 140 m | 1 |
| Oil Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Taurus Oil & Gas | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2018Approach
Having entered Benin River, a vessel should proceed in mid channel to 1nm NNE of Palmas Point (05°54.2'N 005°17.8'E), until abeam Kaporgu village (05°57.1'N 005°19.7'E) on the NW bank, approx 3nm NE of Young Town. The vessel should then close the NW bank and follow it at a distance of 0.15nm until abeam the entrance to Ologi Creek then, keeping to the NW bank to avoid the shoal extending NW from Orobi Creek, pass Bluff Point (05°58.6'N 005°22.5'E) in mid-channel.
When abeam Jarobu, course should be altered E and the buoy marking the S side of Crocodile Bank passed on its S side when a mid-channel course should again be resumed, avoiding the 4.9m shoal off Nana Tower extending NW across the river from the S bank. When off this town and clear of the shoal the N bank should be followed 0.2nm off to the anchorage off the port of Koko.
Anchorages
There is good anchorage off the town.
Tugs
Not available.
Charts and publications
BA 3306, 3307. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
The ship's agent in Lagos must be advised via Lagos Radio, 7, 4, 3, 2 and 1 day prior to arrival and the same information passed to the Harbour Master by the same means. On arrival the vessel should contact the signal station on VHF and they will request the following information from the vessel.
Communications
There is a port radio station at Koko.
VHF: Port: Ch 16 and 14.
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 Jul 2018Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by barge.
Medical
Lily Hospital Limited in Benin City, 68km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Benin Airport (62km).
Nearest railway: Port Harcourt (275km).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Koko
updated May 2010Where it is
Koko is situated up the Benin River 30km W of Sapele.
The port
The port which is in the Delta Ports Complex is growing in importance with considerable development planned. A bar across the river mouth is to be dredged to 10.0m, as is the channel up to the port.
Questions about Koko
What are the pilot arrangements at Koko?
Available but not compulsory.
What time zone is Koko in?
Local time at Koko is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Koko?
The deepest berth listed is at Koko Terminal: 6.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Koko?
1000.
Which load line zone is Koko in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Koko?
The UN/LOCODE of Koko is NGKOK.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Koko 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.
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.