BOMA

• CDBOA
• Latitude: -5.85988
• Longitude: 13.0544
• West Africa
• Port in Congo - Kinshasa

Location: Boma Congo - Kinshasa

Boma is a significant port city located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Situated along the Congo River, approximately 100 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, Boma serves as an important maritime gateway for the DRC. Below is a detailed description and specification of the port at Boma:

Port Description

Location: Boma is located in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city's geographical coordinates are approximately 5.85° S latitude and 13.05° E longitude.

Historical Significance: Established during the colonial era, Boma served as the capital of the Congo Free State and later the Belgian Congo before the capital was moved to Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1923. The port has historically been a crucial point for trade and transportation.

Accessibility: The port is accessible via the Congo River, which is navigable by ocean-going vessels up to Matadi and Boma. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it a critical intersection for riverine and oceanic transport.

Port Specifications

Infrastructure:

1. Wharves and Berths:

   • The port features multiple berths that can accommodate various sizes of vessels.
   • Depth: The draft conditions may vary, but typically the berths can accommodate vessels with a draft of around 9-10 meters.

2. Cargo Handling Facilities:

   • Equipped with cargo handling equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyors.
   • Facilities for loading and unloading bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo.

3. Warehousing and Storage:

   • Adequate warehousing facilities are available for temporary storage of goods.
   • Open storage areas for bulk commodities like minerals, timber, and agricultural products.

4. Marine Services:

   • Pilotage, towage, and bunkering services are provided.
   • Repair and maintenance services for vessels may be limited but available.

5. Customs and Security:

   • The port has customs facilities to handle import/export procedures.
   • Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of cargo and vessels.

6. Transportation Links:

   • Connected by road and rail to the interior regions of the DRC.
   • Intermodal facilities link the port with inland transportation systems.

Operational Aspects:

1. Management:

   • The port is managed by the Société Congolaise des Transports et des Ports (SCTP), which is responsible for the maintenance and operational efficiency of the port.

2. Port Traffic:

   • Handles a variety of cargo including but not limited to minerals, timber, agricultural products, and general merchandise.
   • Serves both domestic and international shipping routes.

3. Trading Partners:

   • Key trading partners include neighboring African countries and international markets, particularly European and Asian countries.

Development Plans:

• There are ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the port facilities to handle increased traffic and enhance operational efficiency.
• Investments in infrastructure upgrades are aimed at improving cargo handling capacity and reducing turnaround times.

Summary

The port of Boma is a vital component of the DRC's maritime infrastructure, facilitating significant volumes of riverine and oceanic trade. Its strategic location along the Congo River and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean position it as a key logistics hub for the region. Efforts to modernize and enhance its facilities are geared towards bolstering its capacity and efficiency in handling diverse types of cargo.