BRASS

• NGBRA
• Latitude: 4.06849
• Longitude: 6.2846
• West Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

Marine Port Description and Specification: Brass, Nigeria

Port Name: Brass Port

Location:

• Latitude: Approximately 4.3° N
• Longitude: 6.25° E
• Geographical Position: Brass Port is situated on the Brass River, which is a tributary of the Niger River, in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Overview: Brass Port, also known as Brass Terminal, is a vital maritime hub in Nigeria, primarily serving as a key export point for crude oil and natural gas. The port's strategic importance stems from its role in facilitating the export activities from the oil-rich Niger Delta region. It is managed by both the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and various oil companies.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Berthing Facilities:
  • The port has berths that can accommodate different sizes of vessels, particularly crude oil tankers.
  • There are specialized offshore mooring facilities for handling oil exports.
• Cargo Handling Equipment:
  • Equipment necessary for loading and unloading crude oil is primarily in place, including pipeline systems linked directly to offshore oil fields.
  • The port might not have extensive facilities for handling general cargo or containerized goods.
• Storage:
  • Onshore storage facilities include large-capacity tanks for crude oil.
• Accessibility:
  • The waterways approaching the port can be challenging, requiring skilled navigation due to shallow and sometimes turbulent waters.
  • Utilization of tugboats and pilotage services is common to ensure safe docking and undocking of vessels.

Port Services:

• Pilotage and Towing: Compulsory pilotage services provided to assist vessels due to demanding navigational conditions.
• Customs and Security: Standard customs operations and security protocols are enforced to ensure the compliance and safety of exporting oil products.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Limited services are available on-site, with more comprehensive ship repair facilities located in nearby larger ports such as Port Harcourt.
• Supply and Logistics: The port supports ancillary services essential for the oil and gas sector, including supply boats and logistics support for offshore operations.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Brass Port plays a crucial role in Nigeria's economy by contributing significantly to the country’s oil export capacity.
• It is strategically positioned to serve oil exploration and extraction operations in the Niger Delta and its associated offshore fields.

Challenges:

• The port is periodically affected by environmental challenges, such as those related to the sensitive Niger Delta ecosystem.
• Security concerns in the region, including piracy and militant activities, can impact operations and necessitate robust security measures.

Future Developments:

• There may be ongoing and future projects aimed at enhancing the port's capacity and infrastructure, driven by both the government and private sector investments.
• Efforts to improve navigational channels and expand storage and processing facilities can be expected to bolster the port's efficiency and throughput capabilities.

Overall, Brass Port is a specialized facility dedicated predominantly to the export of crude oil, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. It is integral to the economic landscape of the region and benefits from continual investments in infrastructure and security to support its operations.