SLBTE Port Code Lookup

Port Code Lookup

Recommend：

CNSHA

SGSIN

CNSZX

USLAX

NLRTM

Total 1 ports of SLBTE

SLBTE Bonthe Port
Bonthe Port is the seaport of Bonthe, in the city of Bonthein Sierra leone. Overseas routes include Africa, Port code is SLBTE.

Show details

Port Code

SLBTE

Name

Bonthe

Country / Region

Sierra leone

City

Bonthe

Sea Routes

Africa

Type

Latitude

7.5279999

Longitude

-12.5004998

Est. Unit Price

Get Free Quotes

Click to display the map

Port Overview

Bonthe Port (UN/LOCODE: SLBTE) is a small estuarine seaport serving Sherbro Island in southwest Sierra Leone. It is located at the eastern end of the island on the Sherbro River estuary, at approximately 7.5279999° N, 12.5004998° W. Silting of the estuary, surrounding coastal swamps and the development of alternative inland routes have reduced the port’s former commercial importance. The available port record identifies landing craft as the regular vessel type and records a maximum vessel length of 41 metres. The port is therefore better assessed as a small, draft- and tide-sensitive conventional gateway than as a container hub. Our service team can coordinate feasibility checks, local handling confirmation and onward-routing analysis before accepting a shipment.

Port code	SLBTE
Location	Bonthe, Sierra Leone; Sherbro River estuary, Sherbro Island
Coordinates	7.5279999° N, 12.5004998° W
Recorded vessel profile	Landing craft; 100% of regularly calling vessel type in the supplied record
Recorded maximum vessel length	41 metres

Key Highlights

Small estuarine gatewayNavigation and cargo planning are influenced by siltation, coastal geography and local water conditions.

Landing-craft orientedThe supplied record indicates a landing-craft vessel profile rather than regular container-liner operations.

Limited container suitabilityNo container terminal, container yard or regular liner service should be assumed without current local confirmation.

Commodity-led roleRecorded export commodities include palm kernel, palm fibre and coffee.

Pre-clearance is essentialOur team recommends confirming draft, tidal access, cargo handling, documentation and onward transport before booking.

Facilities & Services

Vessel access: The recorded operating profile is landing craft. Vessel acceptance, draft, length, ramp arrangements and tidal limitations must be checked case by case.
Container handling: The supplied data does not establish a dedicated container terminal, quay crane, reefer connection or empty-container depot. FCL and LCL handling should not be assumed.
Breakbulk and project cargo: Conventional or landing-craft handling may be more relevant for bagged, palletized or non-containerized cargo, subject to local equipment and labour confirmation.
Storage and staging: Warehouse, covered storage, open laydown space and cargo security arrangements require advance confirmation with the local handling party.
Customs and inspection: Cargo may require coordination between the appointed customs representative, port-side handling personnel and Sierra Leone authorities. Inspection arrangements should be agreed before dispatch.
Inland connectivity: The port’s island and estuarine setting can make road, water and transshipment coordination more important than at a conventional deep-water gateway. Our service team can assess an alternative routing if local delivery is restrictive.

Routes & Logistics Timing

Typical routing concept: International cargo may require a mainline or regional ocean leg to a suitable West African gateway, followed by coastal, feeder, barge or landing-craft transfer. A direct sailing to Bonthe must not be presumed.
Transit-time basis: There is no fixed transit commitment for SLBTE in the supplied record. Total lead time depends on vessel availability, transshipment windows, tide and draft clearance, cargo readiness, customs processing and local delivery capacity.
Booking control: Our team should obtain a written operational confirmation covering vessel dimensions, loading method, port-call feasibility, cargo acceptance and the planned connection before issuing a firm schedule.
Schedule risk: Weather, estuary silting, tidal access, limited sailing frequency and missed coastal connections may create a longer or less predictable lead time than standard container-liner routes.

Any quoted transit indication for Bonthe should be treated as an operational estimate, not a guaranteed sailing schedule, until the nominated vessel and local handling chain are confirmed.

Hinterland & Key Cargo

Primary service area: Bonthe and nearby communities on Sherbro Island, with possible links to the wider southern Sierra Leone coastal and agricultural supply area subject to transport feasibility.
Recorded exports: Palm kernel, palm fibre and coffee are identified in the supplied port description and are the most relevant commodity indicators for initial cargo assessment.
Cargo characteristics: Agricultural products may require moisture control, clean and suitable packaging, contamination prevention, weight verification and protection against rain during transfer and temporary staging.
Import opportunities: Consumer goods, agricultural inputs, construction materials and general provisions may be considered only after confirming discharge equipment, local storage and final-mile delivery capability.

Operations & Compliance

Cut-off and receiving windows: Do not apply a standard liner closing time. Cargo-receiving, loading and documentation deadlines should be obtained from the nominated operator and reconfirmed before dispatch to the island.
Vessel and cargo acceptance: Provide accurate cargo dimensions, gross weight, packing method, lifting points, centre of gravity and any over-dimensional details. Landing-craft loading plans may differ from container-terminal procedures.
Dangerous goods: Dangerous goods require advance approval, correct UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, package details, safety documentation and segregation information. Acceptance is subject to the actual vessel and local authorities.
Customs and inspection: Commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, origin information, permits and any commodity-specific certificates should be aligned before cargo movement. Customs or physical inspection can affect the planned sailing connection.

Shipping Tips

Send our service team the cargo profile early: commodity, packaging, dimensions, weights, value, origin, destination, dangerous-goods status and required delivery point.
For containerized cargo, request a routing comparison through a confirmed regional gateway rather than assuming that SLBTE can receive or release standard FCL equipment.
Use robust, moisture-resistant packaging and secure all cargo for possible handling by crane, ramp, sling or manual labour. Clearly mark gross weight, handling orientation and lifting points.
Build schedule contingency for tide, weather, transshipment and customs. For urgent or high-value cargo, our team can evaluate an alternative gateway with a more established container and inland-delivery chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SLBTE be used for standard FCL container shipments?: The supplied record lists no FCL or LCL service volume and does not confirm a container terminal. Container acceptance, equipment availability and final delivery must be verified before booking; an alternative regional gateway may be more practical.
What type of vessel is associated with Bonthe?: The supplied port data identifies landing craft as the regular vessel type and records a maximum vessel length of 41 metres. Actual vessel acceptance remains subject to current navigation and operator confirmation.
What are the main commodities connected with the port?: Palm kernel, palm fibre and coffee are the export commodities identified in the supplied port description. Packaging, moisture protection, inspection and agricultural-document requirements should be reviewed for each shipment.
Can a firm transit time be quoted for Bonthe?: Not without a confirmed vessel and routing plan. Estuary conditions, tides, weather, transshipment availability, customs and island delivery arrangements can materially affect the total lead time.
What information should be provided for an initial quotation?: Provide cargo type, packing, pieces, dimensions, gross weight, cargo value, dangerous-goods status, origin, delivery point, preferred shipment date and whether loading or discharge requires special equipment.

Data Sources & Provenance

The hard port identifiers and recorded operating facts in this module are based on the supplied SLBTE port master record, including the port code, name, country, city, coordinates, vessel profile, maximum recorded vessel length and listed export commodities.

Operational statements concerning routing, equipment, timing, cargo acceptance, customs coordination and inland delivery are professional planning guidance for a small estuarine port. They are not a substitute for a current confirmation from the nominated vessel operator, local handling party, customs representative or relevant Sierra Leone authority.

No unverified terminal name, berth dimension, water depth, throughput figure, carrier schedule, port fee, operating-hour claim or guaranteed transit time has been added. Current sailing feasibility and local service availability should be reconfirmed before cargo dispatch.