Matadi

Size limits

LOA 189.94, beam 32.26, draught 10m, 55,809DWT.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 1.82m.

In the dry season there is little current close in, but in the wet season it sets strongly at the upper end of Matadi quay, and sometimes vessels experience considerable difficulty in getting alongside. The current is deceptively strong, and sets onto the quay; the current is least felt at the centre berths.

Great care is necessary when approaching Kala-Kala Wharf, the downstream berth, where deep water approaches most closely to the quay and the current sets onto the shore. Before vessels approach this berth, a length of chain should be veered on the port anchor, so that the anchor can be let go off the berth to give a good scope of at least 5 shackles.

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

Approach

The port of Matadi is entered directly from the river. Through Chaudron d'Enfer (Devil's Cauldron) the river is very deep and the currents violent, especially in the rainy season when currents and eddies are at their strongest with rates from 10-13kts. At this time of year vessels over 167m have been found to be very difficult to steer and such vessels could be unmanageable. Vessels berth starboard side alongside, having dropped the port anchor on the approach.

Anchorages

The anchorage at Matadi is not recommended owing to strong currents in midstream and a tendency for vessels to swing about to a strong breeze which blows upriver during the afternoon.

Outer anchorages: Between 1-5nm W of Ponta da Monti Seca out of the river current, in depth of about 14.0m.

About 1nm W of Ponta Padrao in depths of about 12.0m. The current at this anchorage has been found to set continually W only slackening on the ingoing tide.

About 2.2nm WSW of Pointe Francaise in the vicinity of Stella No 2 Lightbuoy, in a depth of about 8.0nm. It should be noted that these depths may vary because of the dangers associated with Bonco Mona Mazea. This anchorage should only be regarded as a temporary anchorage for vessels waiting to embark a pilot.

Lightering anchorage: Deep draught tankers can be lightened at anchor between Buoy Nos 12, 14 and 16, close to Banana.

Waiting Anchorages: The following anchorages are recognised as waiting anchorages for Matadi either because a berth may not be ready or because there is insufficient daylight remaining to proceed through Chaudron d'Enfer. However, if longer delays are expected it is safer to anchor at Boma.

Ikungulu (05°51.973'S 013°24.893'E) on the N side, 1.25nm W of Noqui. This anchorage will take 1 vessel, out of the current in a depth of 17.5m, the holding ground is good. The pilot leaves on anchoring and boards again when the ship is called to Matadi.

WSW of the jetty (05°51.4'S 013°26.0'E) at depths 15-18m. The current in this anchorage is reported to be fairly weak.

Off Ango-Ango in position 05°50.7'S 013°25.9'E. Although the bottom is sand and the holding is good, the current is very strong necessitating 2 anchors and engines at standby.

Restrictions

Berthing during daylight hours only.

Bridges and overhead cable: A road bridge with a vertical clearance of 52.7m allowing for a maximum rise in the river during the rainy season of 8.0m, spans River Congo from a position close E of Pointe Underhill. A datum mark, which indicates the actual clearance at any time, is situated on the N bank.

An overhead telephone cable with a vertical clearance of 40m above high river level, spans the river at Pointe Underhill.

Tugs

Two tugs of 600hp available.

Mooring

Vessels berth starboard side alongside. Berthing is always performed with the aid of the river current. Tugs are not required.

Charts and publications

BA 657. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Notify ETA 5 days, 96, 72, 48, 24 and then 12 hours prior to arrival. 1 day prior to arrival vessel should confirm their ETA to the pilot station via Banana Radio.

Communications

Radio: Banana Radio 9PA - Medium wave TX 489kHz, RX 480.5kHz, operates from 0600-1400GMT.

VHF: Port & Pilots: Ch 16; 12, 14, 20, 73, 74. Telephone: 234-99-9905669 (port manager)

Banana Radio operates throughout 24 hours, Matadi Radio 0600 to 1400hrs.

Notice of readiness

To be tendered as for ETA.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can be issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs officers board vessel on arrival.

Flags

All vessels must display the new national Congolese flag (April 2006). Vessels visiting for the first time may display the white flag to proceed up the river. The new flag can be ordered through the ship's agent.

ISPS

Designated Authority: Ministere des Transport & Communication. Direction de la Marine Marchande.

Contact: Director.

Address: Av Poids Lourds, Chantier, Naval de la Regie des Vies Fluviales 2356, Kinshasa, Gombe, Congo Democratic Republic.

Tel: +243 992 7710

Email: [email protected].

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

ISPS Compliance: The US Coast Guard has reported that vessels arriving at US ports from the Democratic Republic of Congo 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

Not available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available at Ango-Ango, also available at Banana anchorages.

Stores: Contact agent.

Medical

Arranged through agent.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Tshimpi, 8km.

Nearest railway: At the port, most piers are equipped with rail tracks.

Working hours

Normally 24 hours worked in 3 shifts; 0630-1400, 1430-2230 and 2230-0630, Bank Holidays included. Overtime rates apply after 1700hrs. Port operates throughout 24hrs a day including weekends and bank holidays.

Where it is

Matadi is situated on the S bank of the Congo River adjacent to the Angolan border, approx 140km upstream from the mouth of the river.

The port

It is the Democratic Republic of Congo's principal port and main transit port for the whole country. The port is managed and operated by the Office of National Transport (ONATRA). The port handles containers, break bulk and dry bulk.

Traffic

Approx 1,700,000t of cargo, 59,000TEUs and 200 vessels are handled at the port annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Matadi?

Compulsory for vessels over 500GT.

What time zone is Matadi in?

Local time at Matadi is UTC+1. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Matadi?

The deepest berth listed is at Kala Kala Quay: 10.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Matadi?

1000.

Which load line zone is Matadi in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Matadi?

The UN/LOCODE of Matadi is CDMAT.

What crews who called at Matadi 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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