In the vibrant region of Grand Bassa County, Liberia, Buchanan Port stands out with its strategic location and abundant resources, serving as a crucial maritime hub in West Africa. This port is not only a key channel for cargo movement but also carries the hopes and opportunities for local economic development.
Port Overview
Buchanan Port, located along Liberia's coastline with the five-letter code LRUCN, is a typical city barge port. The port features a maximum draft of 12.59 meters, a tidal range of 1.2 meters, and experiences prevailing southwesterly winds. Pilotage services are mandatory for all vessels exceeding 100 deadweight tons, with communication maintained through radio frequencies on channels 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 16 to ensure timely information dissemination.
Facilities and Services
Buchanan Port offers comprehensive facilities that provide effective support services for vessels. While the port lacks ship repair and dry dock capabilities, it supplies essential services including fuel, medical assistance, and freshwater. Consular services for various nations are typically based in Monrovia, facilitating international exchange and trade cooperation.
The port features several specialized docks:
- Mineral Dock: 240 meters long with a frontage depth of 12.8 meters, capable of accommodating vessels up to 60,000 tons, equipped with one 20-ton gantry crane.
- General Cargo Dock: 116 meters long with a frontage depth of 10.06 meters, efficiently handling various types of general cargo.
- Commercial Dock: 320 meters long with a frontage depth of 10 meters and maximum draft of 9.38 meters, suitable for larger cargo ships.
- Oil Tanker Berth: 125 meters long with maximum draft of 9.20 meters, accepting vessels up to 170 meters in length, featuring two oil pipes for tank connections.
Shipping Potential
Buchanan Port primarily serves routes to North Africa, with increasingly frequent international trade activities. The port's maximum draft restrictions of 8.84 meters (9.14 meters for other vessels) demonstrate its substantial cargo handling capacity. As both a crucial regional commercial hub and an ideal choice for logistics and supply chain management, the port plays a vital role in Liberia's economic landscape.
With its advantageous geographic position, robust facilities, and growing commercial potential, Buchanan Port makes significant contributions to Liberia's economic development. As a key node connecting international markets, the port continues to attract increasing investment and business opportunities.
