GBANGBATOK

• SLGBK
• Latitude: 7.80517
• Longitude: -12.3869
• West Africa
• Port in Sierra Leone

Location: Freetown Sierra Leone

Gbangbatok is a lesser-known port located in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Here is a detailed description and some specifications of the marine port at Gbangbatok:

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 8.2170° N, 12.8331° W.
• Geography: Gbangbatok is situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Sierra Leone. The port primarily serves local and regional maritime traffic.

Port Type:

• Type: River Port
• Accessibility: Gbangbatok Port is along the Jong River, making it a riverine port. It allows access from the Atlantic Ocean through a navigable river system.

Infrastructure:

• Berths: The port may have limited berthing facilities given its smaller size in comparison to major ports.
• Cargo Handling: Designed to handle general cargo, including agricultural produce and regional goods. Facilities are likely modest, tailored to support the local economy.
• Storage: Limited warehousing and open storage areas may be available for temporary holding of cargo.
• Draft: The draft could be shallow, suitable for smaller vessels, barges, and regional traffic.

Operations:

• Traffic: Primarily local vessels with some occasional regional maritime traffic.
• Services: Includes basic port services such as anchorage, docking, and cargo handling with likely minimal advanced infrastructure.
• Security: Basic port security measures in place, compliant with regional regulations.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Likely connected by regional roads that facilitate the movement of goods between the port and local markets or other destinations within Sierra Leone.
• River Access: The port's riverine position emphasizes its role in the inland water transport system of the region.

Economic Importance:

• Local Economy: Plays a significant role in the local economy by enabling the export of agricultural products and other local goods.
• Regional Trade: Serves as a node for regional trade, supporting economic activities in the surrounding communities.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability: Smaller ports like Gbangbatok often operate within a framework that considers local environmental impacts and sustainable practices, although specifics would depend on regional policies and infrastructure.

Limitations:

• Infrastructure: Compared to larger international ports, the infrastructure at Gbangbatok may be limited.
• Capacity: The port’s capacity is suited to smaller vessels and regional cargo, limiting its role in large-scale international shipping.

Future Prospects:

• Development Plans: Potential for development exists, aimed at improving capacity and connectivity based on future economic growth and regional development plans in Sierra Leone.

In summary, Gbangbatok in Sierra Leone is a regional river port with essential facilities geared towards supporting local and regional trade. It plays an important role in the community's economic landscape, although its infrastructure and capacity are modest compared to major international ports.