PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Okrika
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory. River pilot boards 0.3nm W of the jetty at Bonny town.
Key data
updated Jun 2014Size limits
LOA 200m, draught 9.0m, 39,800DWT, max vertical clearance 42.8m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 1.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Harcourt Refinery Terminal | — | — | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2013Approach
Access is through a channel 12.8km in length with a dredged depth of 8.8m chart datum. Buoy "LB 1" (safe water) marks the beginning of the channel and lies 0.75nm S of Kennelly Point. The remainder of the channel is marked by pairs of buoys.
Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained in depths of approx 7.0-15.0m off Dawes Island.
Restrictions
Max berthing draught is 9.0m. Berthing takes place during daylight hours only and on the flood tide.
Tugs
Available from Port Harcourt.
Mooring
A vessel usually berths port side alongside, after swinging around at HW and using her starboard anchor to come alongside.
Charts and publications
BA 1863, 3288. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Oct 2015ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should advise their agents of ETA 7 days prior to arrival and update at 24 hour intervals thereafter.
Communications
Vessels communicate with Port Harcourt Radio.
VHF: On approaching Bonny Fairway Buoy, vessels should establish contact with Bonny Harbour Master on Ch 14, 16.
Health
Free pratique is obtained after berthing.
Notices and regulations
Vessels passing the jetty at Bonny town must reduce speed in order to avoid damage to vessels berthed alongside.
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 Oct 2015Repairs
Available from Port Harcourt.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Valentine Hospital located at Port Harcourt,27.8km.
Crew change
Shore leave and crew changes are permitted.
Transport
Nearest airport: Port Harcourt Airport located at Port Harcourt, 46.9km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Okrika
updated Oct 2015Where it is
Okrika oil refinery is situated on the Bonny River, 55km from the sea, close E of Port Harcourt.
The port
The main function of the port is the loading and discharging of petroleum products at the refinery, which is served by two "L" shaped jetties with two berths each.
Traffic
Approx 3,208,461t cargo are handled annually.
Questions about Okrika
What are the pilot arrangements at Okrika?
Compulsory. River pilot boards 0.3nm W of the jetty at Bonny town.
What time zone is Okrika in?
Local time at Okrika is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the water density at Okrika?
1025.
Which load line zone is Okrika in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Okrika?
The UN/LOCODE of Okrika is NGOKR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Okrika 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.