LUCINA

Location: Gabon

Certainly! Port Owendo (commonly referred to as LUCINA) is one of the key maritime ports in Gabon. Here’s a detailed overview:

General Information

Location: Owendo, near Libreville, the capital city of Gabon.
Coordinates: Approximately 0.3165° N latitude, 9.4673° E longitude.
Operational Since: The port has been operational since the late 20th century and has seen continuous upgrades and expansions.

Types of Berths: The port provides various types of berths including container berths, general cargo berths, and oil terminals.
Number of Berths: Over 10 berths which accommodate different types of vessels including container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers.
Draft Depth: The draft at the berths generally ranges from 8 to 15 meters, allowing for the accommodation of medium to large-sized vessels.
Storage Facilities: Includes open storage areas, warehouses for general cargo, and container yards.
Cranes and Equipment: Equipped with modern cranes (gantry cranes, mobile cranes, and ship-to-shore cranes), and material handling equipment for efficient loading and unloading operations.

Customs and Clearance: On-site customs and clearance services to expedite the import/export processes.
Bunkering: Fuel and water supply services are available for vessels.
Maintenance and Repair: Basic ship repair services and minor maintenance facilities.
Security: The port has robust security measures including 24/7 surveillance, controlled access gates, and security patrols.
Pilotage and Towing: Compulsory pilotage is in place for navigation within the port, with towing services available for docking and undocking procedures.
Logistics and Transportation: Integrated logistics services including trucking, rail connections, and freight forwarding.

Major Imports: Machinery, electronics, vehicles, foodstuffs, and chemical products.
Major Exports: Timber, manganese, oil, rubber, and agricultural products like cocoa and coffee.
Area Served: Primarily serves the economic activities of Gabon, but also acts as a maritime hub for the Central African region.

Road: Well-connected by road to Libreville and other major cities.
Rail: The Transgabonais Railway connects the port to the interior of the country, enhancing the transportation of bulk commodities like manganese and timber.
Airports: Proximity to Libreville International Airport facilitates combined air-sea logistical operations.

Environmental Initiatives: Measures to manage and mitigate environmental impact including waste management systems and oil spill response capabilities.
Safety Regulations: Adheres to international maritime safety standards with dedicated emergency response teams and equipment.

Expansion Projects: Recent developments and expansion plans aimed at increasing capacity and efficiency, modernizing equipment, and deepening the drafts to accommodate larger vessels.
Technology Integration: Implementation of advanced port management systems for smoother operations and real-time tracking of cargo.

Port Authority: Managed by the Gabon Ports Authority.
Contact Information: Typically available through maritime port directories, port authority websites, or local shipping agents.

This vital infrastructure plays a significant role in Gabon’s economy by facilitating international trade and boosting regional connectivity.