UN/LOCODE: SLFNA📍 Sierra Leone
Port of Freetown (UN/LOCODE SLFNA)
❖ Coordinates: 8.4657°N, -13.2317°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Freetown
❖ UN/LOCODE: SLFNA
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## About the Port
Freetown Port, the primary maritime gateway for Sierra Leone, is situated in the Western Area Province and serves as the nation's second-largest city and economic engine. With a population exceeding 1.1 million, it is the country's second most populous city after the capital, Freetown. The port is located on the Atlantic Ocean, strategically positioned at the mouth of the Sierra Leone River, which provides a natural deep-water anchorage. This geographical advantage has allowed Freetown to develop into a significant commercial hub for West Africa. The port's infrastructure supports a range of cargo operations, including general cargo, liquids, containers, break-bulk, and project cargo.
## History
The history of Freetown Port can be traced back to the 18th century when the British founded a settlement for freed African slaves on the Sierra Leone River. Over time, the port evolved into a vital centre for trade and commerce, attracting merchants from across the region due to its natural resources and strategic positioning. British colonial rule formalized the port's role in the global economy, transforming it into a bustling hub. Today, Freetown Port continues to play a crucial role in Sierra Leone's economic development, acting as a significant contributor to trade and commerce.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Freetown Port boasts a variety of modern infrastructure and facilities that support its operations. The port has a deep-water berth capable of accommodating large vessels, allowing for efficient cargo handling. The Container Terminal, which can handle container sizes up to 24 feet, has a capacity of 10,000 TEUs, making it a key facility for regional trade. Additionally, the port is equipped with advanced machinery such as gantry cranes and mobile cranes, enabling the efficient loading and unloading of cargo. The modern container terminal ensures seamless connectivity with regional networks, facilitating trade from nearby countries.
Freetown Port also features an extensive hinterland transportation network, which includes roads, railways, and airports. The nearby Lungi International Airport serves as the primary gateway for air cargo, while the Sierra Leone Railway connects the port to key inland destinations, facilitating the movement of goods across the country and region.
The port is a critical hub for freight traffic, handling a diverse range of cargo, including containerized goods, break-bulk items, and bulk cargo such as minerals and agricultural products. It is an important link in the regional supply chain, connecting Sierra Leone to international markets. Freetown Port is equipped to handle both domestic and international cargo, making it an essential part of Sierra Leone's economic infrastructure.
## Economic Importance
Freetown Port is a vital economic engine for Sierra Leone, contributing significantly to the country's trade and commerce. As one of the country's main ports, it handles a wide range of cargo, including agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods. The port's economic importance is underscored by its role in supporting regional trade and investment, making it a critical asset for the nation's development.
The port also plays a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for the local population. Its operations generate jobs in various sectors, including port management, cargo handling, customs clearance, and transportation services. The presence of Freetown Port fosters economic activity in the surrounding communities, promoting both job creation and business development.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Freetown Port is strategically positioned along key maritime trade routes that connect Sierra Leone to global markets. The port primarily receives and dispatches cargo from ships originating in Europe, Asia, and North America, which supply the country with essential goods such as raw materials, machinery, and consumer products. Additionally, Freetown Port exports Sierra Leone's natural resources, including iron ore, diamonds, and agricultural products, to international markets.
The major cargo handled at Freetown Port includes containerized goods, bulk cargo, break-bulk items, and liquids. The exportation of iron ore is a crucial component of the port's operations, as Sierra Leone is one of the leading producers of iron ore in West Africa. The port's capability to handle bulk cargo ensures efficient exportation of these valuable resources to global markets.
For further information on Freetown Port and its role in Sierra Leone's economy, visit the Sierra Leone Ports Authority website (https://www.slports.gov.sl↗). Additionally, the World Bank's report on the port modernization project highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance the port’s infrastructure (https://www.worldbank.org↗). These resources provide deeper insights into the port's strategic importance and modern development.
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Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
SLFNA
Country
Sierra Leone
Province / Region
Western Area
Latitude
8.465677
Longitude
-13.231723
Timezone
Africa/Freetown
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Freetown?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Freetown is SLFNA.
Where is Port of Freetown located?
The Port of Freetown is located in Sierra Leone, Western Area. Its coordinates are 8.4657°N, -13.2317°E.
What time zone is Port of Freetown in?
Port of Freetown operates in the Africa/Freetown time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.96 m
Wave Direction204°
Swell Height0.86 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
Scanning Local Infrastructure...
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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