Port Harcourt stands as one of Nigeria's most vital commercial ports and the country's second-largest port facility. As a key industrial and commercial center in the southeast region, the port boasts modern loading equipment and maintains robust connections with the eastern trunk railway and road networks, serving as a crucial cargo distribution hub for the vast inland hinterland.
Strategic Advantages
The port's proximity to commercial centers offers significant convenience for consignees during cargo collection. Port Harcourt's comprehensive transshipment support services provide diverse storage and transportation solutions, outperforming competing facilities in the region.
Notably, the port offers seven days of free cargo storage compared to just three days at ONNE terminal, significantly reducing demurrage costs and operational pressures for shippers. ONNE's chronic congestion issues further highlight Port Harcourt's operational superiority.
International Shipping Connections
Through Lomé, West Africa's largest hub port, shipping routes efficiently connect Port Harcourt with Lagos ports (Tincan and Apapa). Situated on the eastern flank of the Niger Delta, the port features a maximum draft of 7.6 meters, water density of 1000, tidal range of 0.6 meters, and predominantly southwestern winds. The facility mandates pilotage and maintains communication via VHF Channel 16.
Operational Details
The 24/7 operational port requires vessels to prepare necessary documentation for streamlined processing. Services include:
- Ship repairs
- Bunkering
- Medical facilities
- Tugboat assistance
- Fresh water supply
- Provisioning and crew repatriation
(Note: Sewage disposal services are currently unavailable)
Port Infrastructure
The river channel accommodates vessels with up to 7.6 meters draft, while berths offer depths ranging from 5.2 to 7.9 meters. Key facilities include:
Tanker Berth: 7.3m depth, 243.2m length, featuring dedicated oil unloading pipelines.
General Cargo Berths: Three berths at 8.2m depth, approximately 157m long, equipped with gantry cranes.
Specialized berths accommodate various cargo types:
- Petroleum: Two berths (8.2m depth; 191.5m and 127.7m length)
- Palm Oil: Two berths (8.2m depth; 133.8m length each)
- Barges: 8.2m depth, 62.9m length
- Coal: 6.9m depth, 136.8m length
- Timber: 6.9m depth, 136.8m length
All berths benefit from efficient road and rail connections for seamless cargo movement.
Handling Capacity
The port's equipment inventory includes:
- 19 cranes (3-15 ton capacity)
- Multiple tractors and trailers
Storage infrastructure comprises:
- 7 transit warehouses (66,980.9m² total)
- Additional warehouse space (7,896.5m²)
- Open storage yard (14,151m²)
- Small-scale ship repair facilities
With these comprehensive facilities and strategic location, Port Harcourt solidifies its position as Nigeria's premier logistics hub in the southeastern region, ensuring efficient cargo handling and distribution services.
