BOLAMA

• GWBOL
• Latitude: 11.5785
• Longitude: -15.471
• West Africa
• Port in Guinea-Bissau

Location: Bolama Guinea-Bissau

Bolama Port - Guinea-Bissau

Overview:

Bolama is a notable port in Guinea-Bissau, situated on Bolama Island within the Bijagós Archipelago. Historically significant, Bolama once served as the capital of Portuguese Guinea. Today, the port, while smaller compared to bustling international hubs, plays a crucial role in regional maritime activities, including fishing and transportation of goods and passengers within the archipelago.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 11° 34' N latitude and 15° 28' W longitude.
• Region: Bolama Island, Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Berths: Limited berthing facilities geared towards smaller vessels, fishing boats, and regional cargo ships.
• Cargo Handling: Primarily manual cargo handling processes with limited mechanized equipment.
• Storage: Basic storage facilities, predominantly open storage areas for goods and supplies.
• Draft Depth: Shallow draft suitable for small to medium-sized ships; exact depth may vary and is subject to tidal conditions.
• Navigation: Basic navigational aids; mariners generally rely on charts and local knowledge.

Services:

• Fueling: Limited bunkering services; vessels may need to arrange fuel from local suppliers.
• Provisions: Basic provisioning available; larger or specialized supplies may need to be sourced from the mainland or larger ports.
• Customs and Immigration: Customs and immigration services available for international arrivals; however, facilities are simpler compared to major international ports.

Connectivity:

• Transport Links: Primarily connects to other islands in the archipelago and the mainland via local ferries and smaller boats.
• Road Access: Limited road infrastructure on Bolama Island; primarily local roads connecting the port to the town and surrounding areas.

Activities:

• Fishing: Significant fishing activities with local fishermen utilizing the port for docking and processing their catch.
• Regional Trade: The port is a hub for regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods within the Bijagós Archipelago.
• Passenger Transport: Regular boat services for passenger transport between islands and to the mainland.

Strategic Importance:

Bolama port, while modest, is crucial for the local economy. It supports the transportation needs of the archipelago's inhabitants and serves as a cultural and historical touchpoint in Guinea-Bissau.

Development Potential:

Given its historical significance and strategic regional role, there are opportunities for development. Investments in infrastructure such as deeper berths, modern cargo handling equipment, and improved storage could enhance its capabilities, promoting greater economic activity in the region.

For maritime operators and visitors, understanding the current limitations and planning accordingly is essential for efficient use of Bolama port facilities.