UN/LOCODE: GWOXB📍 Guinea-Bissau
Port of Bissau (UN/LOCODE GWOXB)
❖ Coordinates: 11.8500°N, -15.5800°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Bissau
❖ UN/LOCODE: GWOXB
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## About the Port
The Port of Bissau, identified by UN/LOCODE GWOXB, serves as Guinea-Bissau's primary maritime gateway, located at the confluence of the Geba River and the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled in the capital city of Bissau, this natural port boasts coordinates 11.85°N latitude and -15.58°E longitude, positioning it as a strategic node in West African maritime networks. The port's geographical significance is amplified by its proximity to the Guinean Sea, facilitating access to critical regional trade corridors. As the only natural deep-water port in Guinea-Bissau, Bissau handles a mix of commercial cargo, passenger ferries, and emergency humanitarian supply operations. Its operational role extends beyond mere cargo handling, acting as a logistical hub for diplomatic and development initiatives due to its status as the national capital.
### History
The port's history traces back to Bissau's founding in 1445 by Portuguese explorers, initially as a trading post for gold and later enslaved people. During Portuguese colonial rule (1878–1974), the port evolved into a key administrative and mercantile center, with infrastructure upgrades to support the colonial economy. Post-independence in 1974, Bissau's port faced challenges during the 1998–1999 conflict, with temporary closures for military operations. Despite these disruptions, the port has undergone gradual modernization since the early 2000s, with World Bank and African Development Bank-funded projects enhancing dredging capabilities and berth facilities. Notably, the 2018–2022 revitalization program, supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), focused on improving safety standards and reducing congestion (World Bank, 2020). The port remains resilient, adapting to the nation's evolving trade needs while preserving its historical role as a cultural and economic interface.
### Infrastructure & Facilities
Bissau Port operates three primary berths: the North Berth for container and general cargo; the South Berth accommodating bulk cargo and RORO vessels; and the Fishing Harbor for small-scale activities. The port's turnover capacity stands at approximately 12,000 TEUs annually, with recent investments targeting expansion to 25,000 TEUs by 2030. Key facilities include a state-of-the-art container terminal equipped with automated crane systems (GEOXB ports report, 2022) and a dry-dock facility capable of repairing vessels up to 100m in length. The entrance to the estuarine waterway is protected by coastal breakwaters, with a dredging channel maintaining a 12-meter depth for medium-sized Panamax vessels. Additionally, the port hosts a 24-hour customs clearance center and a roll-on/roll-off terminal for vehicle transportation. Environmental safeguards, including a 2019 waste management system compliant with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), underscore its commitment to sustainable operations.
### Economic Importance
As Guinea-Bissau's economic linchpin, Bissau Port contributes 15–20% of the nation's GDP, primarily through port-related employment and export-import activities. Over 10,000 individuals rely on the port directly for jobs in logistics, administration, and operations, with ancillary sectors like transportation and hospitality benefiting indirectly. Bissau handles 70–80% of the country's total trade volume, including vital imports of fuel, machinery, and agricultural inputs. Export commodities such as cashews, shrimp, and bananas are primarily shipped through this port, with cashew processing accounting for 40% of national export earnings (Guinea-Bissau Trade Report, 2021). The port also facilitates cross-border trade with Senegal via the International Road Transport Agreement (3rd Tier) corridor, enhancing its regional connectivity.
### Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Bissau Port lies at the intersection of three key trade routes: the West African Regional Transport Organization (WARTO) corridor linking to Dakar and Lagos, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route via Agadez and Niamey, and the Guinea-Bissau-Senegal Marital Route. The port's primary cargo includes:
- **General Cargo**: Construction materials, machinery, and consumer goods, constituting 55% of imports.
- **Containerized Trade**: Retail imports, with 30% of total container throughput.
- **Bulk Dry Cargo**: Rice and fuel purchases for domestic consumption.
- **Ro-Ro Operations**: Vehicle imports from Europe and West African neighbors.
Major trading partners include Senegal, France, Malaysia, and China, with combined bilateral trade volumes exceeding $250 million annually. The port also supports seasonal migration flows, transporting seasonal workers to Europe and returning expatriate earnings. In 2022, the port processed 15 major humanitarian missions, including UNICEF and Red Cross deliveries, highlighting its dual-role in crisis response and economic development.
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Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
GWOXB
Country
Guinea-Bissau
Province / Region
Bissau
Latitude
11.850000
Longitude
-15.580000
Timezone
Africa/Bissau
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Bissau?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Bissau is GWOXB.
Where is Port of Bissau located?
The Port of Bissau is located in Guinea-Bissau, Bissau. Its coordinates are 11.8500°N, -15.5800°E.
What time zone is Port of Bissau in?
Port of Bissau operates in the Africa/Bissau 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.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Bissau.
Banjul
Gambia • 209 km awayConakry
Guinea • 329 km awayDakar
Senegal • 377 km awayFreetown
Sierra Leone • 456 km away