UN/LOCODE: GALBV📍 Gabon

Port of Libreville (UN/LOCODE GALBV)

❖ Coordinates: 0.4162°N, 9.4673°E

❖ Time Zone: Africa/Libreville

❖ UN/LOCODE: GALBV

## About the Port The Port of Libreville, located in the Estuaire province of Gabon, is a vital maritime hub in Central Africa. With its UN/LOCODE designation as GALBV, the port plays a significant role in the country's economy, facilitating the import and export of various goods. Situated at 0.4161976 Latitude and 9.4672676 Longitude, the port is strategically positioned to serve the capital city of Libreville and the surrounding regions. The port operates in the Africa/Libreville timezone, ensuring efficient coordination with international trade partners. The Port of Libreville is a key entry point for goods destined for Gabon and the neighboring countries, including the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. As a major port in the region, it handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and project cargo. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)↗, the port's strategic location and modern facilities make it an attractive destination for shipowners and operators. ### Port Characteristics The Port of Libreville has a total area of approximately 170 hectares, with a quay length of 1,200 meters. The port's water depth ranges from 10 to 12 meters, allowing it to accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 10 meters. The port is equipped with modern cranes, including gantry cranes and mobile cranes, to handle various types of cargo. The port's terminal is designed to handle a capacity of 2 million tons of cargo per year. ## History The Port of Libreville has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when Gabon was a French colony. During this period, the port was a minor trading post, primarily used for the export of timber and other natural resources. After Gabon gained independence in 1960, the port underwent significant development, with the construction of new facilities and infrastructure. In the 1970s and 1980s, the port experienced rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for oil and other natural resources. In recent years, the Port of Libreville has continued to expand and modernize, with investments in new equipment and technology. The port has also implemented various measures to improve security and efficiency, including the introduction of a new terminal operating system and the deployment of advanced cargo handling equipment. ### Development Projects The Gabonese government has launched several development projects aimed at enhancing the port's capacity and competitiveness. These initiatives include the construction of a new container terminal, the expansion of the port's quay length, and the introduction of new cargo handling equipment. According to the World Bank↗, these projects are expected to increase the port's cargo handling capacity and reduce transit times, making it a more attractive destination for international trade. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Port of Libreville is equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities, including: * A 1,200-meter quay length, with a water depth of up to 12 meters * A container terminal with a capacity of 100,000 TEUs per year * A bulk cargo terminal, handling commodities such as oil, timber, and minerals * A project cargo terminal, equipped with heavy-lift cranes and other specialized equipment * A tanker terminal, with a capacity of 2 million tons per year * A marine repair yard, providing maintenance and repair services for vessels The port is also served by a range of support facilities, including warehouses, storage areas, and customs clearance services. The port's terminal operating system is designed to ensure efficient and secure cargo handling, with features such as electronic data interchange (EDI) and container tracking. ### Safety and Security The Port of Libreville has implemented various measures to ensure the safety and security of vessels, cargo, and personnel. These measures include: * A 24/7 security presence, with trained personnel and surveillance equipment * Access control systems, including biometric identification and secure gateways * Regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and facilities * Compliance with international safety and security standards, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code ## Economic Importance The Port of Libreville is of critical economic importance to Gabon, accounting for a significant proportion of the country's foreign trade. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including: * Oil and petroleum products * Timber and wood products * Minerals, such as manganese and iron ore * Agricultural products, including cocoa and coffee * Manufactured goods, including machinery and vehicles The port's economic importance is reflected in its contribution to Gabon's GDP, which is estimated to be around 20%. The port also provides employment opportunities for thousands of people, both directly and indirectly, making it a vital component of the country's economy. ### Trade Agreements Gabon is a member of several regional and international trade agreements, including the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). These agreements provide preferential access to markets in Central Africa and beyond, making the Port of Libreville an attractive destination for international trade. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The Port of Libreville is strategically located to serve trade routes between Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The port is connected to major shipping lanes, including the West Africa Container Service and the South America-Africa Service. The port's major cargo includes: * Containers, with destinations including Europe, Asia, and the Americas * Bulk cargo, including oil, timber, and minerals * Project cargo, including heavy equipment and machinery * Breakbulk cargo, including agricultural products and manufactured goods The port's trade routes and cargo volumes are influenced by a range of factors, including global demand, seasonal fluctuations, and regional trade agreements. The port's proximity to the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal location for trade with countries in West and Central Africa, as well as with international markets beyond the region.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

GALBV

Country

Gabon

Province / Region

Estuaire

Latitude

0.416198

Longitude

9.467268

Timezone

Africa/Libreville

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Libreville?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Libreville is GALBV.

Where is Port of Libreville located?

The Port of Libreville is located in Gabon, Estuaire. Its coordinates are 0.4162°N, 9.4673°E.

What time zone is Port of Libreville in?

Port of Libreville operates in the Africa/Libreville time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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