UN/LOCODE: GMBJL📍 Gambia
Port of Banjul (UN/LOCODE GMBJL)
❖ Coordinates: 13.4549°N, -16.5790°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Banjul
❖ UN/LOCODE: GMBJL
## About the Port
The Port of Banjul, located in the capital city of Gambia, is a vital maritime hub in West Africa. With the UN/LOCODE GMBJL, it serves as the country's primary gateway for international trade. Situated at 13.4548761 Latitude and -16.5790323 Longitude, the port operates within the Africa/Banjul timezone. The port's strategic location allows it to facilitate trade between Gambia and other countries in the region, as well as with international markets. As a key component of the country's economy, the Port of Banjul plays a significant role in the maritime industry, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue for the local economy.
### Geography and Climate
The Port of Banjul is situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Gambia River. The port's geography is characterized by a tidal shoreline, with a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. The climate in Banjul is tropical, with a wet season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. The port's location in a tropical region makes it susceptible to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes and storms, which can impact maritime operations.
## History
The Port of Banjul has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it was a major trading center for the British colonial empire. During this period, the port was used for the export of goods such as peanuts, cotton, and ivory. After Gambia gained independence in 1965, the port continued to play a vital role in the country's economy, with the government investing in infrastructure development to modernize the port's facilities. In recent years, the port has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of new berths and the introduction of modern cargo handling equipment. For more information on the history of the Port of Banjul, visit the International Maritime Organization (IMO)↗ website.
### Colonial Era
During the colonial era, the Port of Banjul was a key outlet for the export of goods from the interior of West Africa. The port was used by European traders to transport goods such as timber, cotton, and peanuts to international markets. The port's strategic location made it an important hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with many slaves being transported from the port to the Americas.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Banjul has a range of infrastructure and facilities to support maritime operations. The port has a total of five berths, with a total length of 550 meters. The berths are equipped with modern cargo handling equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and reach stackers. The port also has a cargo storage area of 10,000 square meters, as well as a container freight station and a oil tanker berth. In addition, the port is equipped with modern navigation aids, including a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) and an Automatic Identification System (AIS).
### Terminal Facilities
The Port of Banjul has a range of terminal facilities to support the handling of different types of cargo. The port has a dedicated container terminal, as well as a bulk cargo terminal and a breakbulk terminal. The container terminal has a capacity of 50,000 TEUs per annum, while the bulk cargo terminal has a capacity of 1 million tons per annum. The breakbulk terminal is equipped to handle a range of cargo, including project cargo, vehicles, and general cargo.
## Economic Importance
The Port of Banjul is a vital component of Gambia's economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities for the local population. The port handles a range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo, and is a major hub for trade in the region. According to the World Bank↗, the port is one of the busiest in West Africa, with a total of 1.3 million tons of cargo handled in 2020. The port's economic importance extends beyond the maritime sector, with the port also supporting other industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
### Trade Agreements
The Port of Banjul is part of several trade agreements, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These agreements provide the port with preferential access to markets in the region, and have helped to increase trade volumes and economic growth. The port is also a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and adheres to international standards and regulations for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Banjul is connected to several major trade routes, including the Europe-West Africa route and the South America-West Africa route. The port handles a range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo. Major cargo handled at the port includes peanuts, cotton, timber, and vehicles. The port is also a hub for the importation of goods such as rice, sugar, and fuel. The port's strategic location and modern facilities make it an attractive option for shippers and freight forwarders looking to trade with West Africa.
### Cargo Volumes
The Port of Banjul handles significant volumes of cargo, with a total of 1.3 million tons of cargo handled in 2020. The port's cargo volumes are expected to increase in the coming years, driven by growing trade volumes and economic growth in the region. The port's modern facilities and efficient operations make it well-placed to handle increasing cargo volumes, and to support the growth of trade in the region.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
GMBJL
Country
Gambia
Province / Region
Banjul
Latitude
13.454876
Longitude
-16.579032
Timezone
Africa/Banjul
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Banjul?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Banjul is GMBJL.
Where is Port of Banjul located?
The Port of Banjul is located in Gambia, Banjul. Its coordinates are 13.4549°N, -16.5790°E.
What time zone is Port of Banjul in?
Port of Banjul operates in the Africa/Banjul time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.12 m
Wave Direction315°
Swell Height0.1 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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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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