Gonaives (HTGVS)

Gonaives is a small port made up of a pier that protrudes W from the shoreline. The two berths associated with the port are dilapidated and have been unmaintained. The South Berth, on the pier, has all but completely collapsed and as a result it is only used by small recreational fishing vessels, local cargo vessels and coastal traders. The North Berth, on the pier, has partially collapsed at the southern section however a vessel has been abandoned and left derelict at this berth. This has meant that the berth is currently inaccessible. The boulders of the collapsed sections have been stacked on the pier meaning the it has restricted access.

Gonaives is located at the head of Baie des Gronaives, in western Haiti.

Max LOA 76.61m, beam 12.22m and 1,290DWT.

An anchorage, open to the W, is available in the bay and vessels of moderate draught can proceed into Baie Grammont (S of Gonaives) where they can lie in depths of approx 6m-8m, mud bottom. Vessels with deeper draughts may anchor in depths of 11m-12.8m, mud and sand bottom. The anchorage is in an area with the conspicuous white bluff, located 0.86nm ENE of Pointe Lefevre, bearing 000° and the town church bearing 087°.

Baie des Gronaives is approached with the conspicuous rocky cliff on the SE of Morne Bienac ahead bearing 058°.

Berthing operations during daylight hours only.

Pilots are not available locally but can be ordered from Port-au-Prince with prior notice.

There are no principal navigational aids however a prominent hill, Morne Bienac, stands 1.5 miles N of the town and can be easily identified. The church in the Gonaives is conspicuous and may be used as a good landmark.

Uncharted wrecks lie close to the pier and extreme caution is advised when approaching this berth. Silting is likely in the area and caution must be taken. Caution must be advised due to the fact that the E of the anchorage depths shoal rapidly. As of 2023, an abandoned derelict vessel is located at the North Berth resulting in it being inaccessible.

The port is well protected inside Baie des Gonaives.