PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Mogadiscio
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. Pilot boards vessel heading on the leading beacons approx 900m S of the breakwater head. Masters should notify their agent of their ETA at least 24 hours prior to arrival, as applications for a pilot have to be made in writing. Pilots maintain a continuous watch on VHF.
Key data
updated May 2019Size limits
Draught 11.3m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 2.5m max.
Approach
updated Aug 2010Approach
The approaches to the harbour entrance and to the deep water harbour are marked by three pairs of leading lights. The depth of water decreases rapidly as the shore is approached.
Anchorages
Outer anchorages: The main outer anchorage area lies SW of the harbour approach and extends about 1.5nm offshore for a distance of about 3.5nm WSW from the head of S Breakwater (02°01.5N 045°20.5'E) to Raas Uerega. The anchorage is exposed but the holding ground is good. During the SW monsoon a careful watch is necessary as strong winds and heavy seas make holding difficult and ships have been known to drag.
A smaller anchorage area, 0.5nm E of the head of S Breakwater and NE of the harbour approach is reserved for vessels working cargo to lighters.
Porto Dau (02°02.3'N 045°22.0'E) is a small natural harbour on the E side of Mogadiscio lying within a chain of coral reefs, awash, on which the sea always breaks. Porto Dau provides sheltered anchorage for dhows and small vessels in depths from 1.0 to 3.0m. The approach, from E, is obstructed by numerous rocks and should not be attempted without local knowledge.
Prohibited anchorage: Vessels should not anchor in the vicinity of the Raas Sif oil terminal Sea Berth (02°01.2'N 045°20.0'E) where there is a submarine pipeline and buoys, all unlit.
Restrictions
Berthing takes place during daylight only.
Tugs
There are 2 tugs available, each 800hp.
Mooring
The swell can lead to strong surging alongside and moorings must be tended regularly.
Charts and publications
BA 671. Admiralty Pilot NP3.
Inspections
ISPS
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by prior arrangement.
Medical
Medical facilities are available in an emergency.
Transport
Nearest airport: Mogadiscio International Airport (5km).
Working hours
Normally 0700-1400hrs. Overtime by arrangement.
About Mogadiscio
updated Apr 2016Where it is
The port is situated on the SE coast of Somalia.
The port
Mogadiscio is the capital and principal port of Somalia. The port is formed by a large artificial breakwater providing 6 berths for deep sea vessels. It is reported that the port of Mogadiscio re-opened in August 2006 after more than 11 years and is now able to accept vessels of up to 8,000DWT.
Traffic
Approx 230 vessels visit the port annually.
Questions about Mogadiscio
What are the pilot arrangements at Mogadiscio?
Compulsory. Pilot boards vessel heading on the leading beacons approx 900m S of the breakwater head.
What time zone is Mogadiscio in?
Local time at Mogadiscio is UTC+3. No summer time.
What is the water density at Mogadiscio?
1025.
Which load line zone is Mogadiscio in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Mogadiscio?
The UN/LOCODE of Mogadiscio is SOMGQ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Mogadiscio 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.