Freetown (SLFNA)

The port which serves as the major logistics hub for Sierra Leone , operates container cargo and other bulk and break bulk cargo at Queen Elizabeth II Terminal. The port also handles petroleum products and LPG cargo at Kissy Oil Terminal.

Tropical.

Freetown is the capital and principal port of Sierra Leone, situated on the S coast of West Africa.

LOA 398m, Draught 12.0m, Beam 37.4m, 71,122DWT

Approx 9,000,000t of cargo, 100,000TEU and 500 vessels handled annually.

Anchorages numbered "D1"-"D3" from Cline Point and "F8"-"F11" from Falcon Bridge, good holding ground. No restriction on LOA. Max draught 14.6m. Minimum five shackles of cable recommended. Quarantine anchorage is situated 08°31.03'N 013°14.72'W, S of the Middle Ground.

From seaward it is advisable to approach between the parallels of 08°25'N and 08°30'N, until position can be established by Cape Sierra Leone. This line of approach is recommended. A vessel should then steer so as to be in line with Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse and the conspicuous hotel on Aberdeen Hill, bearing 095.5°, before closing within 2nm of the cape. Vessels should keep to this alignment, which leads, in depths of 11.0m, over the tail of the shoal 1nm W of the cape, passing approx 2.25 cables S of the Fairway Lightbuoy, until Carpenter Rock bears 154°. Course should then be altered to pass N of Cape Sierra Leone in order to clear Carpenter rock. Slightly deeper water may be obtained by approaching the Lighthouse bearing 090°. This track leads 400m S of the S end of the shoal with 9.1m depth, marked by the Fairway Lightbuoy. When Carpenter Rock bears 139°, course should then be altered to 068° which leads 0.35nm NW of Cape Sierra Leone in a least depth of 11.3m. Leading lights are established on Cline Point, 0.5nm SE of Fourah Point, in line bearing 127°. Front light: Metal tripod, 5m in height. Rear light: Metal framework tower on a building, 12m in height, 42m SE of the front light. Caution: The aids to navigation in the port and river are reported to be unreliable. They may be missing, unlit or out of position. Vessels should navigate with particular caution.

BA 623, 625, 614. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

Republic of Sierra Leone Navy patrol the area and monitor VHF Ch 16, throughout 24 hours.

1012-1025.

Berthing information is supplied by the agent.

Vessels less than 20,000DWT with draught less than 9.1m may enter without a pilot, but pilotage is compulsory for vessels berthing at Queen Elizabeth ll Quay or Kissy Oil Jetty. Pilotage is compulsory from the Fairway Buoy for vessels over 20,000DWT and 9.1m draught. Pilots normally board near the Queen Elizabeth ll Quay. Boarding at the Fairway Buoy is possible by prior arrangement and with 24 hours notice. Pilotage available for Port of Sherbro (48 hours notice required).

The port of Freetown lies within the following limits: ..... W limit: A line extending NNE from Cape Sierra Leone to Leopard Island. E limit: The meridian of Yelimakant Island (08°35'N 013°00'W).

Fairway Lightbuoy (red can, light W 5s, radar reflector) moored 11nm WNW of Cape Sierra Leone. Cape Sierra Leone Light is exhibited from a white stone tower, 21m in height, red lantern, on the N point of the cape.

Berthing at the Kissy Oil Jetty takes place during daylight flood tide only, max 35,000DWT, draught 11.2m. Unberthing is not permitted from 1 hour after HW until 1 hour after LW at Berths No 1, 1A and 2.

Range 2.6m (springs). 1.3m (neaps).

There are no special traffic schemes.

One tug of 480t bollard pull.

Prevailing winds: NW'ly during Nov to Jan. Otherwise SW'ly.

FREETOWN 8°29.68'N 13°12.82'W UNCTAD LOCODE: SL FNA ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 38/25 French Radiosignaux publication 93 Jan 2025, (RSDRA2025000043780), 24/25

VHF: Freetown Port Control: Ch 16, 14. Tel: +232 22 250111, Fax: + 232 22 250616. Email: sierraleoneports@yahoo.com. Pilots and tug: Ch 16, 14. Available throughout 24 hours.

Valid passports or Seaman's Books are to be presented to Immigration on arrival so shore passes can be issued to the crew. If there are any passengers, they should produce valid travel documents. Boarding and working permits are to be lodged 4 hours prior to arrival by the agent responsible for the vessel's stay in port.

..... 1. Ports of Call List 2. Passenger List 3. Crew List 4. Arms & Ammunition List 5. Dangerous Drugs List 6. Bonded Stores List 7. Crew Declaration 8. Inward Report 9. Stowaway List Cargo documentation: The following is required: Document Copies 1. Cargo Manifest 4 2. Stowage Plan 3 3. Loading/Discharging Plan 3

Notice should be given 48 hours prior to arrival to the Pilot's Office or the Harbour Master and should include the following information: ..... 1. Cargo manifest 2. Details of the vessel 3. Agent 4. Last port 5. Draught 6. ETA

Port of registry flag, courtesy flag and usual signal flags are to be exhibited. Vessels carrying dangerous goods are to display flag "B" of the International Code of Signals.

Small craft: Within the limits of the port, small craft shall at all times give way to ocean going vessels under way. Rat guards: Rat guards are to be placed when alongside the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. Dangerous goods: Notice is to be given to the General Manager before arrival that a vessel is carrying dangerous goods. No explosives or other dangerous goods are to be landed, shipped or transhipped except with the authority of the General Manager.

International Health Certificate is required.

Not generally issued as cargo work commences immediately after Customs and Immigration formalities are completed.