NOUADHIBOU

• MRNDB
• Latitude: 20.909
• Longitude: -17.0415
• West Africa
• Port in Mauritania

Location: Nouadhibou Dakhlet Nouadhibou Mauritania

Port of Nouadhibou, Mauritania

Overview

NOUADHIBOU is a significant port situated on the Atlantic coast of Mauritania. Known primarily for its importance in the fishing and mining industries, Nouadhibou serves as a crucial node for the export of minerals, notably iron ore, and supports a bustling fishing community.

Specifications

Location:

• Latitude: 20.9304° N
• Longitude: 17.0348° W
• Situated on the coast of the Western Sahara, Nouadhibou is strategically positioned near the intersection of important maritime routes.

Port Type:

• Deep-water port

Principal Functions:

• Export of minerals, especially iron ore from the mines in Zouerate
• Major hub for the fishing industry
• Import of goods for local consumption

Infrastructure:

1. Terminals:

   • Mineral Terminal: Dedicated facilities for the handling and loading of iron ore.
   • Fishing Terminal: Equipped to support a significant local fishing fleet, including storage and processing facilities.
   • Cargo Terminal: Accommodates containerized and general cargo.
   • Oil Terminal: Facilities for the import and distribution of petroleum products.

2. Berths:

   • Multiple berths with varying depths to accommodate different types of vessels, ranging from small fishing boats to large ocean-going bulk carriers.

3. Storage Facilities:

   • Open storage areas for bulk minerals.
   • Warehouses for general goods.
   • Cold storage for perishable fish products.

4. Equipment:

   • Cranes for cargo handling.
   • Conveyor belts for efficient loading and unloading of bulk materials.
   • Forklifts and other material handling equipment.

5. Draft:

   • Deep enough to accommodate large bulk carriers, though specific details depend on exact location within the port.

6. Navigational Aids:

   • Modern navigational aids and pilotage services to assist with safe entry and departure of vessels.

Services:

• Pilotage: Available and mandatory for larger vessels.
• Tug Assistance: Provided to aid in the maneuvering of vessels.
• Bunkering: Fueling services for ships.
• Repairs & Maintenance: Basic repair services are available for fishing vessels, with more extensive services potentially available in nearby regions.

Connections:

• Railway: Connected to the iron ore mines via a railway line, facilitating the efficient transport of minerals.
• Road: Adequate road connections for the transport of goods to and from the hinterland.
• Air: Nouadhibou International Airport serves as a regional hub for passenger and cargo flights.

Other Facilities:

• Customs and immigration offices for the clearance of goods and crew.
• Security services to ensure the safety of the port and its operations.
• Waste reception facilities.

Economic Role: Nouadhibou’s economy is tightly linked to the activities of the port, with key industries including mining, fishing, and to a lesser extent, tourism. The port’s strategic location and facilities support its role as a critical asset for Mauritania’s trade and industry.

Summary

The Port of Nouadhibou is a pivotal maritime facility in Mauritania, designed to support extensive mining exports and a robust fishing industry. With its diverse terminals, modern infrastructure, and strategic position, the port underpins much of the region's economic activity.