PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Soyo
Pilot
updated Nov 2016Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels bound to/from or moving between berths at the Angola LNG Terminal.
Pilots boarding positions: Outer Boarding Station: 06 02.0'S 012°10.0'E (vessels of LOA 120m and above).
Inner Boarding Station: 06 03.0'S 012°17.0'E.
Vessels should call VHF Ch 09, 2 hours prior to arrival off port limits for berthing details.
Key data
updated Aug 2021Size limits
LOA 299.06m, draught 12.2m, beam 49m, 97,730DWT.
Water density
1013.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range for Angola LNG Terminal 1.5m (springs), 0.6m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALNG Plant | 12.20 m | 299 m | 3 |
| Kwanda Base | — | 146 m | 2 |
| Terminal Fluvial de Passageiros do Soyo | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Aug 2021Approach
The port is approached through a short buoyed channel at the entrance to Canal de Soyo. The channel has max depth of 5.2m.
From a position between No 1 and 2 Lightbuoys, moored 2.25nm SE of Ponta Padroa (06°04.1'S 012°19.1'E), the alignment 152.25° of the leading lights leads SSE for approx 1.25nm, in a channel marked by beacons and buoys, into the Kwanda Base harbour.
Caution: Aids to navigation in River Congo are reported to be unreliable. They may be missing, unlit or out of position. Mariners should navigate with particular caution.
Angola LNG Tanker passage: For Angola LNG tankers bound to or from the Angola LNG Marine Terminal the Pululu Channel shall be closed 30 minutes prior to the vessels entry to the Pululu Channel. During channel closure the Safety Zone will also be in force. Angola LNG Pilots will advise Soyo Port Control when the Pululu Channel can be opened for other traffic and will endeavour to keep the channel closure time to a minimum, which would normally not exceed 1.5 hours.
During channel closure for Angola LNG tankers; vessels that wish to move between berths or the Inner anchorage within Kwanda should be given traffic clearance by Soyo Port Control provided they will not enter the Pululu Channel or Angola LNG Turning Basin.
Anchorages
Outer anchorage: Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of approx 8.0m, 0.2nm N of Soyo Lightbuoy, which is moored 2.5nm ESE of Ponta Padrao.
There is a river anchorage for general cargo lightering operations.
Cargo Anchorage: Ocean going vessels anchor on the starboard side of the river in position 06°04.2'S 012°23.4'E where their cargo is discharged by rafts.
Restrictions
Daylight berthing only 0600 to 1800hrs. Unberthing day and night.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 659, 658, 306, 311. US Publications 123. Admiralty NP2, NP286(8).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2016Communications
VHF: Soya Port Control: Ch 11, 16. Tel: +244 232 676000. Email: [email protected].
Angola LNG Terminal: LNG Pilot: Ch 09. Email: [email protected].
LNG Marine: Ch 09. Tel: +244 232 675792. Email: [email protected].
Kwanda Port: Soya Pilot: Ch 08.
Kwanda Port: Ch 77. Tel: +244 932 986525. Email: [email protected].
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: National Directorate of Merchant Marine and Ports.
Contact person: National Director.
Address: CP 2393, Rua Rainha Ginga, No 74, 4 Andar, Luanda, Angola.
Tel: +244 2 390034.
Fax: +244 2 310375.
Mob: +244 92 439336/ +244 91 516620.
Telex: 3352 MARPORT AN
E-mail: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org.
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
There is a slipway, 176m in length and 6.2m in width.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Marine diesel available.
Medical
Luanda.
Transport
Nearest airport: Soyo (5km from Kwanda Base harbour).
Nearest railway: Luanda, 420km.
Airport facilities: Small aircraft passenger service to Luanda, Pointe Noire and Libreville.
About Soyo
updated Nov 2016Where it is
Soyo, Kwanda Base docks, is located on the S bank of the Congo River, close to its mouth.
The port
The port consists of an LNG and LPG terminal, build on reclaimed land. Kwanda area, which is an oil industry support base also handling general cargo and fishing craft.
Questions about Soyo
What are the pilot arrangements at Soyo?
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels bound to/from or moving between berths at the Angola LNG Terminal.
What time zone is Soyo in?
Local time at Soyo is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Soyo?
The deepest berth listed is at ALNG Plant: 12.20 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Soyo?
1013.
Which load line zone is Soyo in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Soyo?
The UN/LOCODE of Soyo is AOSZA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Soyo 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.