KAOLACK

• SNKLC
• Latitude: 14.13
• Longitude: -16.0745
• West Africa
• Port in Senegal

Location: Kaolack Senegal

Port of Kaolack - Overview and Specifications

Location:

• Country: Senegal
• Coordinates: Approximately Latitude 14.1465° N, Longitude 16.0818° W
• Waterway: Situated on the banks of the Saloum River, around 190 kilometers from the river's mouth at the Atlantic Ocean.

Primary Use:

• The Port of Kaolack primarily serves as an inland river port and facilitates the transport of goods to and from inland areas, particularly focusing on agricultural produce. It is a significant hub for regional trade and distribution.

Specifications:

• Navigation:

  • Given its inland location, accessing the port requires navigation through the Saloum River, which might necessitate specific knowledge about local river conditions.

• Berth Facilities:

  • The details on the exact number and type of berths are limited, but it comprises facilities for managing various bulk and break-bulk cargoes.

• Cargo Handling:

  • Main Cargo: Cereals, groundnuts, salt, cement, fertilizers, and other agricultural products. The port primarily supports bulk cargo but may handle break-bulk goods depending on infrastructure capacity.
  • Equipment: Basic cargo handling apparatus including cranes, forklifts, and conveyors specific for the primary cargoes.

• Storage:

  • The port offers limited warehousing and storage facilities.
  • Includes open storage areas for goods like bulk cereals and groundnuts.

• Connectivity:

  • Road Network: Adequate road connectivity to key regions within Senegal.
  • Transport Modes: Primarily road transport is used for cargo movement to and from the port to inland areas.

Port Management and Operations:

• The port is managed by the autonomous Port Authority of Senegal.
• Operational times and regulatory protocols are dictated in compliance with the country’s maritime law and international shipping standards.

Challenges:

• The channel may face periodic siltation, requiring regular dredging to ensure navigability.
• Seasonal variations might affect its operational efficiency.

Future Developments:

• Plans for potential expansions or technological upgrades would focus on improving berth facilities, storage, and cargo handling capacities.

Significance:

• Kaolack port plays a pivotal role in supporting the regional agro-economy by providing a key transit point for the agricultural produce of Senegal.
• It also aids in the economic integration of rural areas with more commercially active regions.

While it might not compare in scale to the larger coastal ports, Kaolack stands as a crucial inland port facilitating significant trade movements essential for the local and national economy.