Libreville (GALBV)

The main quay at Libreville is shallow and only able to handle fishing vessels, small ferries and coasters and is protected by a breakwater. Ro-Ro facilities are available approx. 3.5nm SE of the main quay where containers, general cargo, passengers and automobiles are handled in small quantities.

Tropical.

Libreville is situated on the W coast of Africa close to the equator.

LOA 76m, beam 17.2m, draught 2m, 1,886DWT.

Compulsory. The principal anchorage is 0.9nm SW of the head of the S arm of Les Chargeurs Reunis wharf, with the head of the wharf in line with a church (yellow triangular front with arches, surmounted by a clock tower), in a depth of 8.0m, mud and clay, good holding. An alternative anchorage is with the S end of the detached breakwater off the lighter quay bearing 052°, distant 0.82nm, in a depth of 9.0m. Care must be taken to avoid the obstructions in the vicinity of these anchorages. Vessels generally moor with anchors laid out NNW and SSE. Anchorage may also be found on a muddy bottom, further S off Glass (00°22.0'N 009°27.0'E), at a distance from 0.75 to 1.25nm offshore, according to the draught of the vessel, but, when anchoring in this vicinity or further S, care must be taken to avoid Banc de la Malouine. At these anchorages, a sea sometimes gets up at short notice, making communication with the shore, and the movement of lighters difficult. This is especially so when the wind is against the tidal stream. Caution: A disused submarine pipeline extends 0.7nm WSW and then 0.2nm SSW from a position on the coast 0.25nm SSE of the conspicuous belfry (00°24.2'N 009° 26.3'E). Near the head of the pipeline there are some obstructions on the seabed.

BA 3325, 3118, 3327, 3328. Admiralty Pilot NP2, NP286(8).

1015.

Compulsory. There is no pilotage service.

The port of Libreville extends from Pointe Louis, situated 0.5nm SSW of the radio masts (1.5nm SSE of Pointe des Normands), to Pointe Glass 3nm SSE.

A conspicuous radio mast, marked by lights, stands on Mont Baudin, 3.25nm ENE of Pointe Louis. There is a conspicuous water tower marked by a red obstruction light 1.75nm NNW of the Post Office and a prominent white water tower, 37m in height, with the name "Libreville" painted on it, situated 0.35nm ENE of Old Government House. A light is exhibited from each end of a detached breakwater which protects the head of the quay.

Range 2.0m.

Prevailing winds: S-SE'ly.

LIBREVILLE 00°17'N 9°30'E The facilities for ocean-going vessels are situated at Owendo. See OWENDO , Pilots and Port.

VHF: Ch 16.

Officials come onboard.

..... Documents 1. Cargo Manifest 2. Loading Plan 3. List of Dangerous Cargo

ETA should be notified 24 hours prior to arrival.

National flag to be flown while in Gabonese waters.

Officials come onboard.