PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Porto Grande
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory inbound, optional outbound and for all berthing movements. Pilot boards midway between Bird Island and the quay. Agencies recommend pilot on sailing for vessels moored alongside mole. Vessel should contact the pilot station via VHF Ch 16, 2hrs prior to arrival.
The pilot boarding position is 0.8nm SW of Iiheu dos Passaros Light (16°54.7'N 025°01.4'W).
The pilot boards from a grey boat flying a blue flag with the letter "P" in white.
Key data
updated May 2019Size limits
Offshore max LOA 235m, draught 10.7m, 53,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
Tides
Range 1.2m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Grande Terminal | — | — | 11 |
| Shell Cabo Verde/Enacol Terminal | 10.70 m | 235 m | 1 |
| Ferry Terminal | — | — | 3 |
| ENACOL Fuel 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 May 2019Anchorages
Anchorage may be obtained in Porto Grande 0.5nm and 1.3nm ENE of Ponto do Morro Branco in depths of 22.0m and 19.0m. The holding ground is good in both positions but with NE winds violent squalls are of frequent occurrence and vessels should be prepared with a second anchor in case of parting their cable or dragging.
A quarantine anchorage is established about 1.0nm ESE of Ponto do Morro Branco in a depth of 18.0m.
A fourth anchorage position can be obtained 0.3nm S of Cabnave Breakwater Light.
Tugs
There are 3 harbour tugs available.
Charts and publications
BA 366,367, and 370 Lisbon Hydrographic Institute Chart. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).
About Porto Grande
updated May 2019Where it is
Porto Grande is located in the Cape Verde archipelago, on the NE coast of Sao Vicente Island, 455km off the W coast of Africa (Senegal and Mauritania).
The port
The harbour is in a semi circular shape, spacious and sheltered, with 11 berths giving a total quayage of 1,589m, depths alongside range from 3.5-12.0m. There are also 3 ferry/passenger berths with a total quayage of 235m, with depths alongside of 4.0m.
The principal imports are fuel and diesel oil, cement and general cargo, the main export are preserved fish, bananas, hides and sisal.
Porto Grande is also an important bunker station due to its geographical position near major shipping routes.
Traffic
Approx 1,000,000t of cargo, 25,000TEU and 350,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Porto Grande
What are the pilot arrangements at Porto Grande?
Compulsory inbound, optional outbound and for all berthing movements.
What time zone is Porto Grande in?
Local time at Porto Grande is UTC−1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Porto Grande?
The deepest berth listed is at Shell Cabo Verde/Enacol Terminal: 10.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Porto Grande?
1025.
Which load line zone is Porto Grande in?
North Atlantic Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Nov 1 to Jul 15, Summer Jul 16 to Oct 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Porto Grande?
The UN/LOCODE of Porto Grande is CVGRA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Porto Grande 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.
Plan a route to Porto Grande →
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.