Pointe-Noire

Size limits

Max LOA 366.47m, beam 51.2m, draught 16m and 204,332DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Tidal range between 0.35-1.7m. The current usually sets NNE under the influence of the prevailing winds. The current may attain a rate of less than 1kt and occasionally 1.1kts during May. It is worth mentioning that the currents within the harbour are weak.

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

Approach

The port is approached from W through Baie de Pointe Noire via a 1,200m channel dredged to 11.5m and entered between breakwaters, width 180m, situated E of Dique Exterieure. The Digue Exterieure is the main outer breakwater is located on the W side of the harbour and extends 1nm N in a curve from the port before turning NW at its end for appro 0.25nm. The N end of Digue Exterieure is subject to heavy shoaling. Digue Interieure, the inner breakwater, extends 0.5nm E from near the head of Digue Exterieure and makes up the N side of the harbour. A detached breakwater, 0.4nm long, forms the E side of the harbour. The primary harbour entrance lies between the NW head of the detached breakwater and the E head of Digue Interieure.

There are access channels in the NW and SW approaches to the port. Passenger vessels, vessels carrying oils or dangerous cargo, and all vessels over 300GT are required to use these channels to enter or leave the port. It is worth noting however, that these channels are not considered to be IMO-adopted traffic separation schemes.

Oilfield support base: A recommended track heading 116° leads 1.5nm ESE, from the vicinity of the pilot boarding position to the oilfield support base passing (with positions relative to the head of Digue Exterieure).

NNW of a lightbuoy (starboard hand) (0.35nm NE), then

NNW of an anchorage (0.8nm E) for vessels engaged in loading logs in which there are several unlit mooring buoys, then

SSE of an unmarked dangerous wreck (1.25nm ENE), then

NNW of a stranded wreck (1.25nm ESE).

Then the track leads close inshore to the berths.

Caution: Oil production platforms are often anchored temporarily in the bay.

Anchorages

Anchorage is obtainable in 14.5m, 0.8nm N of the head of Digue Exterieure. The holding is good but the anchorage is exposed to rollers which though not dangerous require an underkeel clearance of at least 3.0m. During the rainy season from October to March vessels should anchor with a good scope of cable on account of tornadoes from E, which though fairly rare, can give rise to sudden and violent winds.

A designated anchorage/waiting area is located at the end of the approach channels. The waiting area (PNR-Nord) is located at the SE end of the NW approach channel, approx 4.5nm NW of the head of Digue Exterieure. The additional waiting area (PNR-Sud) is located at the NE end of the SW approach channel, it is approx 1.75nm W of the Digue Exterieure.

Timber Anchorage: An anchorage for timber loading vessels lies E of the harbour entrance, with depths of 6.3m to 9.1m

Prohibited Anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited in an area between Digue Exterieure and a line drawn 0.55nm N from the light on the detached breakwater.

Restrictions

Piracy has become an increasing concern within the vicinity of the port. Reported in 2018, pirate attacks have occurred 100nm offshore.

There are numerous wrecks in the approaches to the port, which may be best seen on the charts.

Extending NW, NE and E from the N end of the outer breakwater and sandy shoals and drying banks, as a result caution must be taken. The shoaling may be worse than what is shown on the chart and mariners are required to contact local authorities for the latest information. Additionally, vessels are required to give a wife berth as the swell forms heavy rollers, prevalent between May-Oct.

There is a spoil ground area is located approx 1.5nm NE of the head of the outer breakwater. It is located between Banc de l’Astrolabe and Banc Songolo.

As of 2025, there are major works in-progress within the harbour. The works include land reclamation, dredging and other projects. As a result of the works, mariners are advised to contact local authorities for the latest information.

Several mooring buoys are used to mark a log pond area which lies adjacent to the E side of the detached breakwater.

It is understood that vessels approaching from the N are required to use care to avoid Banc du Conflict. On the other hand, vessels from the S are required to use care to avoid the dangers located approx 2nm W of Pointe-Noire.

Offshore from Pointe-Noire are offshore drilling and production operations. Drilling rigs, platforms, well heads and submarine pipelines are within the vicinity of the port. As a result, vessels are required to exercise care when navigating in the approaches, as many of the aforementioned structures and installations are often moved and are not charted. In addition, vessels are prohibited from anchoring or fishing in the vicinity of the submarine pipelines. Oil production platforms may often be anchored within Baie de Pointe-Noire

Mooring

Mooring master and assistant at the berth upon vessel's arrival provided by the Port Authority.

Charts and publications

BA 3290, 8147, 305. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA 24hrs and 12hrs in advance.

Notice of readiness

To be tendered on arrival.

Health

Crew must have Yellow Fever Certificate.

Customs and immigration

All Crew members must have valid passports.

Flags

Congolese Flag.

Repairs

Available at Boscongo Yard managed by Saipem. It is the biggest fabrication yard in Congo which additionally provides small naval repairs, maintenance, naval equipment and port tools.

Dry docks

Floating drydocks are in use within the bay.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available via pipeline from the quay, low pressure around 10tph or by tug to the anchorage.

Bunkering: Available via pipeline from the quay, low pressure around 10tph or by tanker trucks.

Stores: Provisions available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: CMC Medico (2.4km), Hospital Military De Pointe-Noire (3.35km), Hopital De Loandjili (53km) and Hospital Base De Tie-Tie (6.65km).

Crew change

Crew change is possible. Off signers will get a transit visa at port valid for 3 days. On signers can obtain a visa on arrival via the agent.

Transport

Nearest airport: Agostinho-Neto International Airport (10km).

Nearest railway: Gare de Pointe-Noire (2km). Congolese railway network operated by the Congo Ocean Railway, 810km long and main service route to the hinterland. The railway consists of: main line connecting Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville over 510km, ex-Comilog line linking Pointe-Noire to South Gabon over 285km and realignment over 180 km between Dolisie and Mont Belo. There is a weekly program of three express convoys called TRDM (Fast Direct Goods Trains to Brazzaville), seven convoys/block trains per week at a rate of one train per day (at the customer’s request) and two ordinary trains per day, or fourteen per week (these trains serve all major stations along the railway). The goods transported include: hydrocarbons, heavy cargo, vehicles, containers and various break and dry bulk (cement, sugar, flour, rice, iron, bananas, other fruits, etc.).

Nearest highway: RN1, RN2, RN3, RN4, RN5 and RN6. RN1 currently connects Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville and Kinshasa. RN2 runs 513km from Brazzaville to Owando. RN3 connects Dolisie to Gabon via Kibangou. RN4 allows for the transport of goods to the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. RN5 connects Pointe Noire–Madingo Kayes- Gabon border. RN6 is currently used by forestry companies to transport their timber to the port.

Working hours

Normally 0730-1200hrs and 1400-1800hrs, vessels may be obliged to work overtime on a Sun in order to reduce congestion. Failure to comply results in forfeiture of the berth.

Where it is

Pointe-Noire is situated at the head of Baie de Pointe Noire, 150km N of the mouth of the River Congo.

The port

The Port of Pointe-Noire is a crucial maritime gateway that serves the extensive hinterland of the Central African region and functions as a key transshipment hub on the central West African coast. As the principal port of the Republic of the Congo, it plays an essential role in facilitating trade and commerce in the area.

Opened in April 1939, the port has a rich history and has been part of various organizational structures over the decades. In February 2000, the establishment of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire marked a significant milestone, allowing for more focused administration and development of the port's operations.

The Port of Pointe-Noire primarily specialises in handling containerised cargo, which is vital for modern shipping and logistics. In addition to containers, the port is equipped to manage a diverse array of cargo types, including timber, coal, Ro-Ro/Lo-Lo shipments, as well as oil products and LPG.

Currently, the port is undergoing a rejuvenation project that includes the construction of the East Mole Multipurpose Terminal. This new terminal is designed to enhance the port's capacity by accommodating containers and general break bulk, supported by a 400m quay wall. Additionally, the Congo Terminal is set for expansion, with completion anticipated by 2027, further strengthening Pointe-Noire's position as a vital maritime hub in the region.

Traffic

Approx 20,000,000t of cargo and 1,219,000TEU handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Pointe-Noire?

Compulsory for vessels of 100GT and over, available in daylight hours only for tankers but throughout 24 hours for other vessels.

What time zone is Pointe-Noire in?

Local time at Pointe-Noire is UTC+1. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Pointe-Noire?

The deepest berth listed is at Congo Terminal: 16.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Pointe-Noire?

1025.

Which load line zone is Pointe-Noire in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Pointe-Noire?

The UN/LOCODE of Pointe-Noire is CGPNR.

What crews who called at Pointe-Noire 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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