📋 Port Overview
✗ ISPS✗ ECA
The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Manakara is a small commercial port off which vessels anchor to load and discharge.
Load line zone
Summer.
Location
Situated at the mouth of the Manakara River.
🔧 Facilities
🏗️ Crane Capacity (TONS)
Up to 24
🧭 Navigation Information
Anchorages
The holding ground in the anchorages is good. SW Outer Anchorage: Vessels can anchor in a depth of 15.0m at the intersection of the approach leading line and leading bearing. NE Outer Anchorage: Anchorage can also be obtained in a depth of 16.0m at the intersection of the approach lines. Vessels may anchor as convenient between these two berths. Manakara Nord: Coasters can anchor in depths from 3.0-4.0m on the approach leading line. Inner Anchorage: Depth of 9.0m, 0.1nm E of Rocher Noir. This anchorage is seldom used.
Approaches
Directions: SW main anchorage: By day, the alignment 312° of leading beacons leads from SE to the SW anchorage passing close SW of a shoal with a least depth of 8.5m (22°08.6'S 048°02.6'E): Vessels can anchor in depths of 15.0m. By day and at night, the bearing 246° in the white sector of La Residence Light (22°09'S 048°01'E) leads from ENE to the anchorage, passing NW of the shoal mentioned above. NE main anchorage: Leading lights, the alignment 315° of these lights leads from SE to the NE anchorage, passing NE of the 8.5m shoal mentioned above. Vessels can anchor in depths of 16.0m. The alignment 286° of a directional light (approx 0.3nm N of Manakara Nord) leads from ESE to the NE anchorage, passing NNE of the 10.1m shoal. Inner anchorage: The bearing 267° of Emokala Light leads from E through a passage at the N end of Recif du Large. Within Recif du Large the bearing 212° of Rocher Pyramide (22°08.4'S 048°01.6'E), lying on a ledge of rocks, leads SSW towards the inner anchorage, passing ESE of numerous dangers fringing the coast NNE from Manakara, and WNW of Recif Intermediaire (0.8nm NNE of Rocher Pyramide), which lies within and parallel to Recif du Large. It is essential not to deviate from the leading lines but steering is made difficult by wind, swell and current. This anchorage is not used by larger vessels.
Charts
BA 3906. Admiralty Pilot NP39, NP286(8).
Dock density
1025.
Pilot
Pilots are not available.
Principal navigation aids
Wreck of vessel "Imerina" (22°07.8'S 048°01.6'E).
Tugs
Are available for towing lighters.
Weather
The current off Manakara River sets SSW at rates from 1 to 2.7kts. Swells: Affect the anchorages, making lighterage very difficult and is also felt in the river mouth although this is protected by a dyke. With heavy swell the channel is quickly blocked and has to be cleared by dredging.