Matadi Port Code Lookup
Total 1 ports of Matadi
Matadi Port is the major seaport of Matadi, in the city of Matadiin Congo(drc). Overseas routes include Africa, Port code is CDMAT.
Matadi Port (UN/LOCODE: CDMAT)
Matadi is the principal seaport of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of Kongo Central Province. Located at approximately 5.820°S, 13.452°E and close to the Angola border, it functions as a national import and export gateway, with onward distribution toward Kinshasa and other inland markets. The supplied port record describes a maximum draft of 8.2 m, a 1,610 m port length, 10 quays and annual cargo-handling capacity of 2.5 million metric tons. Its river and estuarine access, inland rail connection and regional infrastructure conditions make draft confirmation, equipment planning and inland coordination essential before cargo is released for booking.
| Port code | CDMAT |
|---|---|
| Country / city | Democratic Republic of the Congo / Matadi |
| Port type | Seaport and river-access gateway serving national inland logistics |
| Coordinates | Latitude -5.8200000; longitude 13.4520000 |
| Draft reference | Maximum draft stated in the supplied port record: 8.2 m; vessel acceptance remains subject to current port and carrier confirmation |
Commercial and Operational Snapshot
- CDMAT is a strategic gateway for cargo moving into and out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rather than a simple local delivery port.
- Navigation and vessel planning require close attention to the declared 8.2 m maximum draft and the actual tide, berth and sailing conditions.
- The port record identifies rail connectivity with Kinshasa, creating a multimodal option alongside road distribution.
- Typical export profiles include coffee and timber, while imports may include project, consumer and industrial cargo for the national market.
- Container availability, inland equipment and documentation procedures should be reconfirmed before cargo cut-off because local operating conditions may change.
Infrastructure Relevant to Forwarders
Berths and cargo handling
The supplied record describes a 1,610 m port length and 10 quays, with stated annual handling capacity of 2.5 million metric tons. Berth allocation, working windows and vessel restrictions must be confirmed for each shipment.
Draft-sensitive access
The stated maximum draft is 8.2 m. Actual acceptance may depend on vessel dimensions, river conditions, tide, channel notices and the nominated operator’s restrictions.
Container and general cargo
Containerized, breakbulk and project cargo can require different handling plans. Our service team can verify equipment, storage, lift-on/lift-off and special-handling arrangements before booking.
Inland connections
The port record identifies a rail connection with Kinshasa. Road and rail feasibility should be assessed by cargo dimensions, destination, security requirements and current equipment availability.
Inspection and storage planning
Import cargo should be planned with sufficient time for document review, customs examination, terminal handling and possible storage. Free-time and storage conditions require shipment-specific confirmation.
Security and access control
The supplied record notes that Matadi Port has been upgrading installations in accordance with the ISPS framework. Access, visitor and cargo-security procedures remain subject to local implementation.
Routing Logic for CDMAT Cargo
- International cargo is commonly planned through a carrier’s regional transshipment network before final delivery to Matadi; the actual gateway, vessel sequence and sailing frequency depend on the booking party and current service plan.
- For Kinshasa-bound cargo, our team can compare rail and road delivery after discharge. The preferred mode depends on cargo type, destination access, equipment availability and current infrastructure conditions.
- Transit time should be quoted only after confirming the vessel connection, transshipment point, port acceptance, customs status and inland leg. Weather, river conditions, congestion and inspections can materially extend the schedule.
- Oversized, heavy or dangerous cargo may require a separate routing review because berth, lifting, road, rail and escort constraints can differ from standard container cargo.
Markets Served and Cargo Profile
Primary hinterland
Matadi supports Kongo Central Province and acts as an important maritime gateway for the wider Democratic Republic of the Congo, including onward flows toward Kinshasa.
Export cargo
The supplied port description identifies coffee and timber as principal exports. Packaging, fumigation, origin, forestry and commodity-specific documentation should be checked before cargo acceptance.
Import cargo
Typical planning categories may include containerized consumer goods, industrial inputs, machinery, construction materials and project cargo. Classification and permit requirements depend on the commodity.
Special logistics flows
The supplied record notes the use of the port by the state fishing company Pemarza for fish supply to Kinshasa. Cold-chain, sanitary and inland delivery controls should be arranged where applicable.
Execution Risks to Control Before Booking
- Cut-off and berth planning: Request the carrier’s confirmed documentation, VGM, gate and cargo cut-off in writing. River access, berth allocation and transshipment changes can affect the operational window.
- Dangerous goods: Submit the correct UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, flash point and safety documentation before acceptance. Do not assume all terminals or inland legs accept every DG category.
- Customs and inspection: Ensure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading instructions, certificates and import permits are consistent. Customs examination or document queries may create storage and inland-delay exposure.
- Inland delivery: Verify road weight limits, container chassis, rail suitability, escort or security requirements and destination unloading capability before confirming a door-delivery quotation.
Practical Recommendations from Our Service Team
- Send the cargo description, HS code, gross weight, dimensions, package type, DG status and final inland destination at the quotation stage so we can screen vessel and delivery constraints.
- For heavy, high-value or oversized shipments, obtain a combined port, lifting and inland feasibility check before manufacturing or packing is finalized.
- Use moisture-resistant export packaging and secure timber, machinery and project cargo against vibration, handling and inland-road conditions; arrange treatment or phytosanitary documents where required.
- Keep a fallback plan covering an alternative transshipment arrangement, rail-versus-road delivery and additional storage or demurrage exposure. Final options must be confirmed against current carrier and local-provider capacity.
Matadi Port FAQ
Use UN/LOCODE CDMAT for Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our team will also verify the carrier’s booking-office and bill-of-lading location requirements.
Containerized cargo can be considered, but acceptance depends on the nominated carrier, equipment, berth plan and inland destination. Confirm container availability, cut-offs and delivery equipment before shipment release.
No. The 8.2 m figure is the maximum draft stated in the supplied port record, not a universal vessel-acceptance guarantee. Actual clearance depends on current channel, tide, berth, vessel particulars and port confirmation.
The port record identifies a rail connection. Rail or road should be selected after checking cargo dimensions, weight, destination access, equipment, security and current operating conditions.
Typical exposure includes incomplete documents, customs examination, vessel or transshipment changes, draft or berth restrictions, inland equipment shortages and road or rail disruptions. We build the quotation and operating plan around these variables.
Data Basis and Verification Boundary
Port code, name, country, city, coordinates, draft, quay, port-length, capacity and rail-connection statements on this page are based on the supplied CDMAT port record. Operational recommendations are professional planning guidance and do not replace confirmation from the nominated carrier, terminal, customs authority, port operator or inland provider.
The UN/LOCODE framework can be cross-checked through unece.org. The ISPS security framework can be referenced through the International Maritime Organization at imo.org. These reference domains support code and regulatory-framework verification; they are not presented as confirmation of live berth availability, sailing schedules, handling rates, draft clearance or local customs procedures.
Schedules, draft limits, cut-offs, storage terms, equipment availability, customs requirements and inland transit conditions are time-sensitive. Our service team confirms those items against the shipment and the latest available provider instructions before execution.