Pointe Noire (CGPNR)

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.

Tropical.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

None available.

1025.

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

Compulsory for vessels of 100GT and over, available in daylight hours only for tankers but throughout 24 hours for other vessels. The pilot embarks 0.5nm NNE of the head of Digue Exterieure (Waiting Area PNR-Sud). At this position the cathedral is in line with a pylon, 19m in elevation, 0.3nm NNW of it bearing 150.5°.

Night marking is provided by: landing light with a range of 24nm, white light on the outer breakwater head, green channel end buoy, entrance and alignment pass lights. ..... Navigational Aid Lat Long Remarks Pointe Noire Light 4°48'S 11°50'E Exhibited at an elevation of 35m from a prominent black and white tower. The tower stands 28m and approx 0.4nm E of the spherical tank Pylon - - Acts as a range for the outer approach to the harbour. It is located NNE of The St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral. Pylon Two pylons that form a range which indicate the passage through the main entrance. The pylons are located in the S part of the harbour. Aeronautical Radiobeacon - - Located approx 4nm SE of Pointe-Noire. Outer Lighted Buoy - - Moored approx 0.4nm NE of the head of the outer breakwater.

..... Restriction Remark Banc de l’Astrolabe Located approx 1.7nm NNE of the head of the outer breakwater. It has a least depth of 5.8m and lies parallel to the coast. Banc Songolo Least depth of 6.4m and located approx 1.5nm NE of the head of the outer breakwater. Banc des Anglais Least depth of 13m,located approx 1.5nm WNW of the head of the outer breakwater. Banc du Sagittaire Least depth of 10m, and Banc de la Syzygie, with a least depth of 9.8m, located approx 1nm WSW and 0.7nm SW, respectively, of the head of the outer breakwater. Banc de la Pointe Depths of less than 4.5m, extends up to about 0.3nm W of Pointe-Noire 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

..... MHWS 1.6m MHWN 1.3m 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.

Tugs are available throughout 24hrs under the following allocation: ..... Dimension Number of Tugs LOA 130-160m 1 LOA >160m 2

Prevailing winds: SW'ly at 2-4kts. Rainy season (Oct-Mar).

POINTE NOIRE 4°46.68'S 11°50.00'E UNCTAD LOCODE: CG PNR ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

{ "widget_1_pilotage": { "area_groups": [ { "area_name": null, "pilots_area_description": null, "pilots_contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Pilot Office", "vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16", "vhf_secondary_working": "Ch 16; 11 12", "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 100 gt and is available H24 (tankers HJ only).", "when_to_report": null, "how_to_report": null, "what_to_report": [], "pilot_boarding_positions": [ { "designator": null, "coordinates_or_verbose": "4°46'38S 11°47'09E (2·3 n miles W of the head of the Digue Extérieure)", "vessel_particular_constraints": null } ], "leftover_text_notes": [] } } ] }, "widget_2_vts": { "cross_reference_redirect": null, "area_groups": [ { "area_name": null, "vts_boundaries": { "description": null, "coordinates": [] }, "contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "PORT", "vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16; 09 12", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [ "+242 22 2940052" ], "faxes": [ "+242 22 2942042" ], "emails": [ "info@papn-cg.org" ], "websites": [ "www.papn-cg.org" ], "operating_hours": null } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": null, "general_rules": [] }, "reporting_lines_and_points": [], "reporting_requirements": [ { "report_name": "Entry Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "24h and 12h in advance", "how_to_report": null, "what_to_report": [] } ] } ] }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [ { "provider_name": "Tugs", "vhf_channels": [ "Ch 16; 11 12" ], "telephones": [], "emails": [] } ], "availability_hours": "0730-1200 1400-1800", "notes": [] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Authority", "vhf_primary_watch": "Ch 16; 09 12", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null } ], "standalone_general_notes": [] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS CONTACT DETAILS: Pilot Office VHF Channel: Ch 16 PV VHF Channel: Ch 16; 11 12 HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 100 gt and is available H24 (tankers HJ only). (2) Pilot boards in position 4°46·38S 11°47·09E (2·3 n miles W of the head of the Digue Extйrieure). ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Telephone: +242 22 2940052 Fax: +242 22 2942042 E-mail: info@papn-cg.org Website: www.papn-cg.org Hr Mr VHF Channel: Ch 16; 09 12 Tugs VHF Channel: Ch 16; 11 12 HOURS: 0730-1200 1400-1800 PROCEDURE: Notice of ETA: Vessels should send ETA 24h and 12h in advance. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 51/15 French chart FR7585, (RSDRA2015000103715), 51/15

..... Pointe-Noire Harbourmaster contact info VHF Ch 9, 12, 16 Port contact info Telephone +242 222 940 052 Facsimile +242 222 942 042 Email info@papn-cg.org Congo Terminal contact info Telephone +242 05 775 0110 Email info@congo-terminal.net Tugs contact info VHF Ch 11, 12, 16 Pilots contact info VHF Ch 16 Telephone +242 22 294 0052 Facsimile +242 22 294 2042 Email info@pan-cg.org

All Crew members must have valid passports.

..... 1. Crew List 2. Port of Call List 3. Passenger List 4. Store List 5. Ship's Equipment List 6. Crew Declaration List 7. Vaccination List 8. Animal/Narcotic/Arms/Ammunition/Stowaway List 9. Cargo Manifest (5 copies)

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

Congolese Flag.

Crew must have Yellow Fever Certificate.

To be tendered on arrival.