LOBITO
Lobito (12°20'S., 13°34'E.) The port of Lobito, which resembles by its configuration the port of Luanda, is an excellent and secure natural harbor. It is also the terminus of the railway which connects with Zaire and Zambia.
The harbor is sheltered on its NW side by a narrow and sandy spit which extends NE for about 3 miles to Ponta da Restinga, its NE extremity. Numerous bungalows and buildings are situated along this spit.
Winds—Weather.—Throughout the year, sea breezes predominate during the afternoon and vary between SW and NW. At other hours of the day, the winds are variable and it is generally calm at night. Precipitation, usually in the form of showers, occurs from November to April, with the months of March and April having the most rainfall. Precipitation is weakfrom November to January and there is practically no rain from May to October. Thunderstorms are rare and fog is infrequent.
Tides—Currents.—The tides rise about 1.7m at springs and 1.3m at neaps.
The tidal currents in the vicinity of the harbor are negligible. A swell from the WSW predominates outside the port, but the harbor is always calm.
Depths—Limitations.—The main commercial berthage consists of Quay No. 1, which extends along the SE side of the sandy spit, in the SW part of the harbor and Quay No. 2, which extends along the head of the harbor.
Quay No. 1 is 570m long and has a depth of 10.4m alongside. Quay No. 2 is 552m long and has depths of 10.3 to 10.6m alongside.
There are facilities for general cargo, bulk, tanker, passenger, and container vessels. Vessels of up to 275m in length and 10.3m draft can be accommodated.
Aspect.—Lobito Light is shown from a tower with a dwelling, 15m high, standing on Ponta da Restinga, the NE extremity of the sandy spit. A prominent radio mast is situated 1 mile SW of this light. The government residence, with a large conspicuous tower, and a conspicuous church tower are situated 1 mile SW of the radio mast.
Lobito LightBuoys, which mark the entrance to the fairway, are moored about 300m E and 0.3 mile E of Ponta da Restinga. Lobito Light is shown from a tower with a dwelling, 15m high, standing on the top of the mainland cliffs, 0.7 mile E of Ponta da Restinga.
A cement factory, with a prominent chimney, is situated 1.5 miles SW of the light and a radio tower stands 0.4 mile S of it. It has been reported that the yellowish-brown smoke rising from this chimney can be seen from a considerable distance.
Several prominent oil tanks stand on a small area of reclaimed land lying 0.4 mile SW of the cement factory. Several conspicuous port installations, including silos, stand in the SW part of the harbor. The head of the harbor is occupied by an extensive bank which dries at LW and gives off an offensive odor.
Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory within the harbor entrance and is only available during daylight hours. Vessels should send an ETA by radio 24 hours before arrival on weekdays and 48 hours before arrival on weekends. The port can usually be contacted by VHF during daylight hours. The pilot boards between Lighted Buoy No. 4 and Lighted Buoy No. 6.
The maximum speed permitted in the harbor is 8 knots.
Anchorage.—The harbor provides sheltered and calm anchorage with good holding ground. The designated anchorage area, which may best be seen on the chart, lies in the middle of the harbor. It has depths of 14 to 31m and is marked by buoys.
Caution.—The sand spit at the NW side of the harbor is reported to be extending NE at a rate of about 30m a year. It was reported (1988) that shoaling extended up to about 200m ESE from Ponta da Restinga and vessels should give this point a wide berth.
Anchorage is prohibited within the harbor between the N side of the designated anchorage area and the sandy spit in order to provide free passage for vessels proceeding to the quays.
Several wrecks lie within the harbor and may best be seen on the chart.
It was reported (1994) that numerous fishing vessels may be moored in the N part of the designated anchorage area.
A measured 1 mile distance, which may best be seen on the chart, lies on the seaward side of the N part of the sandy spit, and is marked by beacons.
The buoys marking the seaward entrance of the harbor fairway are often moved and should not be relied upon.