LIBREVILLE

• GALBV
• Latitude: 0.398
• Longitude: 9.438
• West Africa
• Port in Gabon

Location: Libreville Gabon

Libreville is the capital city of Gabon, located on the northwest coast of the country, along the Atlantic Ocean. The port of Libreville, also known as the "Port d’Owendo," is a significant maritime facility serving Gabon and the broader Central African region. Here are detailed descriptions and specifications of the Port of Libreville:

General Information

• Location: Coordinates around 0.39°N latitude and 9.45°E longitude.
• Port Authority: Managed by the Gabon Ports Management Company (GPM).
• Type of Port: Deepwater, multicommodity port.
• Accessibility: Supports various types of maritime vessels including cargo ships, container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers.

Facilities and Infrastructure

1. Berthing Facilities:

   • Number of Berths: Multiple berths (Exact number can vary, generally around 10-12).
   • Berth Length: Variable, typically ranging from 150 to 300 meters to accommodate different ship sizes.
   • Draft Depth: Generally around 11-12 meters, allowing for the accommodation of larger vessels.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Equipment: Modern cranes, forklifts, conveyor belts, and other cargo handling equipment.
   • Storage: Significant storage facilities including warehouses and open storage yards for different types of goods such as timber, petroleum, and minerals.
   • Container Handling: Equipped with container handling facilities and services.

3. Terminal Facilities:

   • Oil and Gas Terminal: Specific terminals for petroleum products and LPG.
   • Bulk Terminal: Facilities for handling bulk cargo, including minerals like manganese.
   • Ro-Ro Terminal: Accommodations for roll-on/roll-off operations for vehicles and heavy equipment.

4. Support Services:

   • Piloting, Towage, and Mooring: Comprehensive ship assistance services for safe navigation and docking.
   • Bunkering Services: Available for refueling vessels.
   • Ship Repair Facilities: Basic maintenance and repair services are available, including dry dock facilities.
   • Logistics and Supply Chain: Integrated logistics services including cargo consolidation, customs clearance, and port-to-door delivery services.

Operations and Traffic

• Operating Hours: Typically operates 24/7, year-round.
• Cargo Throughput: Handles a diverse range of cargo including timber, manganese, oil and gas products, and general cargo.
• Annual Cargo Volume: Varies yearly but handles several million metric tons of cargo.

Connectivity

• Road and Rail Links: Connected by road and rail networks facilitating inland transportation.
• Proximity to Libreville International Airport: The port is in close proximity to Libreville Leon Mba International Airport for swift connectivity between sea and air freight.

Strategic and Economic Importance

• The port of Libreville acts as a crucial gateway for Gabon's import and export activities.
• Supports significant sectors of the Gabonese economy, including the timber and mining industries.
• Enhanced by ongoing infrastructure development projects to improve capacity and efficiency.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

• Pollution Control: Implements environmental management programs to control marine pollution.
• Safety Protocols: Adheres to international shipping and safety standards for vessel and cargo operations.

Future Development

• Plans for modernization and expansion to handle increased cargo volumes and improve operational efficiency.
• Strategic projects to enhance automated systems for cargo handling and tracking.

The Port of Libreville/Owendo plays a pivotal role in propelling Gabon’s economy forward, providing critical infrastructure for trade, and fostering economic development within the region.