Moanda Terminal (Muanda Terminal) (5°58'S., 12°09'E.), located 10 miles SW of Pointe Kipundji, consists of a Floating Storage and Offshore (FSO) faciIty and an SBM. The FSO (Bellatrix Voyager) and the SBM, to which the tankers moor, are situated in a depth of 22.9m. Vessels up to 160,000 dwt and 16.76m draft can be handled.

The current at the terminal usually sets NW direction and attains a rate of to 2 to 3.5 knots. It is modified by the tidal currents and greatly affected by the flow of water from the Congo River. When the water level in the river is high, the current experienced at the terminal may attain a rate of 5 to 7 knots. A heavy swell is also often experienced at the terminal between March and September.

Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots, who act as mooring masters, can be contacted by VHF and board 3 miles W of the SBM or in the vicinity of the anchorage area. Berthing is only during daylight hours but vessels may depart at any time.

Vessels should send an ETA, preferably via e-mail, to the terminal or the agent in Kinshasa as soon as possible. Confirmation messages should be sent 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours before arrival. The messages must state the vessel’s name, ETA, Master’s name, arrival draft (fore and aft), arrival displacement, time to discharge ballast, any anticipated delays, cargo requirements, and name of agent. Vessels should then contact the terminal when within VHF range.

The Moanda Terminal may be contacted by e-mail, as follows: zmoore@chevrontexaco.com

A designated anchorage area is situated about 2 miles NW of the SBM. It has a depth of 28m over a bottom of soft mud.

Moanda Terminal is situated within a restricted area which extends up to 12 miles offshore and may best be seen on the chart.

Location