N’Kossa Terminal (5°15'S., 11°36'E.), operated by Elf Congo, consists of two Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels. One FSO (N’Kossa 1), is used for crude oil storage the second FSO (N’Kossa 2), which is moored 2 miles NW, is used for LPG storage.

Vessels up to 280,000 dwt can be handled at N’Kossa 1, which is moored with a bow turret in a depth of 126m.

Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots, who act as mooring masters, can be contacted by VHF and board about 3 miles N of the terminal. Berthing is done only during daylight hours but vessels may depart at any time. Tankers moor bow to stern in tandem with the FSO. Vessels should send an ETA 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance.

A designated tanker (waiting area) anchorage, with a radius of 1.5 miles, is situated 11 miles W of Djeno. A designated approach channel leads through the oil fields from this anchorage area to the terminal. The channel, which is 2.5 miles wide, extends SSW for 14 miles. This anchorage is also used by vessels proceeding to Djeno Termina.

An outer designated waiting area, with a radius of 3 miles, is situated about 13 miles NW of the terminal. Vessels waiting in this area must not allow themselves to drift E of 11°27.5'E. There is no designated outer anchorage area due to the depth of water.

A restricted area, which may best be seen on the chart, surrounds the oil field and the terminal. Vessels are prohibited from entering this area without prior permission from the terminal.

Location