In the global trade landscape, ports hold significant strategic importance. For Nigeria's Okrika Port, this facility serves not just as a crucial cargo transshipment hub but as a vital economic center. Situated on the eastern flank of Nigeria's Niger Delta, Okrika is gaining prominence due to its unique geographical advantages and well-developed port infrastructure.
Port Overview
Okrika Port (UN/LOCODE: NGOKR), located in Rivers State, operates as a municipal barge port with distinctive maritime capabilities. The port experiences tidal variations of approximately 1.0 meter and maintains a water density of 1025, making it an ideal location for various vessel types. A mandatory pilotage system ensures navigation safety, with communication facilitated through VHF Channel 16.
The port offers comprehensive services including bunkering, launch hire, medical assistance, tug services, and freshwater supply. Additionally, Okrika provides provisions and repatriation services, though it lacks ship repair facilities or dry dock capabilities. Specializing in oil tanker operations, the port features a river depth of 8.8 meters at low tide, with dredged sandbars reaching 11.2 meters—accommodating tankers up to 35,000 DWT primarily serving nearby refineries.
As Okrika Port continues to enhance its facilities and services, it consolidates its position within Nigeria's maritime network, positioning itself to become a strategic hub in West Africa's shipping industry and a catalyst for regional economic growth.
