PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Port Gentil
Pilot
updated Oct 2016- Port Gentil pilot boarding place Pilot boards00°39.0′S 008°48.0′E
Pilot boards in position 00°39.5'S 008°47.8'E, 2nm NE of Pointe Clairette. Vessels should signal their entry to the Port Captain and maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 12.
Key data
updated Mar 2021Size limits
Draught 11m, LOA 210m, Beam 37.3, 63,616 DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentil Commercial Terminal | 11.00 m | 183 m | 1 |
| Sogara Oil Refinery | 11.00 m | 210 m | 1 |
| Gentil Basin Terminal | — | 166 m | 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 2016Approach
Directions: If coming from S, care must be taken to avoid the oil drilling rigs situated SSW of Cap Lopez (00°37.0'S 008°43.0'E).
Cap Lopez should not be rounded at a distance of less than 1.5nm, and after passing the Cape course should be set to clear Banc du Prince Lightbuoy, being careful not to cross the line of Cap Lopez Lighthouse in line with Balise des Capitaines, bearing 254°, which is a clearing line for Banc du Prince.
When well clear of Banc du Prince course should be altered S towards the pilot station prior to entering the restricted area, or towards an anchorage outside the restricted area. There are depths in excess of 27.0m in the approach to the pilot boarding position. The approach course to the berth is 213°.
Caution: A dangerous wreck is located at 00°39.4'S 008°49.1'E, 1nm E of the pilot boarding position.
Anchorages
A restricted area surrounds the oil berth on the SE side of Pointe Clairette (00°41.0'S 008°47.0'E), in a depth of approx 18.3m mud.
Two dangerous wrecks exist 1.25nm and 2nm respectively, NE of Pointe Akosso.
Note: The tidal streams at the anchorage are rotary, causing a vessel to swing right round its anchor. The ebb stream sets NNW, a distance of up to 1nm from the shore, at a maximum rate of approx 1kt. Vessels should moor with a long scope of cable and open hawser NE.
Tugs
Three tugs are available. The use of a tug is compulsory for all vessels over 150GT.
Charts and publications
BA 1322. US Publication 123. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Oct 2016ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised to the Port Captain 48 and 24 hours in advance.
Communications
VHF: Port Control: Ch 16.
Pilots and Tugs: Ch 12.
Notices and regulations
Vessels calling at the port in order to bunker, take stores or change crew, may anchor within the restricted area after having received permission from the port captain and been assigned an anchorage berth. In this case pilotage is optional. Vessels at anchor within the restricted area must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF.
Berthing at the oil terminal or the commercial quay can be carried out at any time of the day. However, vessels requiring to anchor in the inner anchorage in order to load wood may only do so during daylight hours. Departure from this anchorage can take place at any time.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Ministere de la Marine Marchande.
Position: Joint Secretary General
Address: BP 6795, Libreville, Gabon
Tel: +241 74 78 40 or +241 89 61 91
Fax: +241 74 78 40
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Mar 2021Repairs
Minor repairs can be carried out. Two slipways, the largest for vessels up to 600t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available only at the quay.
Bunkering: Available by barge. Fuel oil can be supplied at Commercial Quay and at the anchorage.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: International SOS Gabon, 0.6km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Port-Gentil International Airport located at Gentil, 5.8km. (Domestic only)
Nearest railway: Port Gentil.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1200hrs, 1300-1700hrs; overtime available.
About Port Gentil
updated Mar 2021Where it is
Port Gentil (also known as Mandji) is situated on the SW side of Baie du Cap Lopez.
The port
The port handles containers, general cargo, Ro-Ro, logs, plywood, palm oil and petroleum.
Traffic
Approx 10,000TEU handled annually.
Questions about Port Gentil
Where does the pilot board at Port Gentil?
The pilot boards at Port Gentil pilot boarding place, 00°39.0′S 008°48.0′E.
What time zone is Port Gentil in?
Local time at Port Gentil is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Port Gentil?
The deepest berth listed is at Gentil Commercial Terminal: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Port Gentil?
1025.
Which load line zone is Port Gentil in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Port Gentil?
The UN/LOCODE of Port Gentil is GAPOG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Port Gentil 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.