Yombo Oil Terminal (4°27'S., 11°06'E.), situated about 30 miles W of the mouth of the Kouilou River, consists of a Floating Production Storage and Offshore (FPSO) facility. The FPSO (Conkouati) is moored in a depth of 100m and connected by submarine pipelines to production platforms which are situated 1.5 miles SSW and 1.5 miles SW of it. The terminal can handle vessels up to 155,000 dwt, 280m in length, 53m beam, and 15m draft.

Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots, who act as mooring masters, can be contacted by VHF and board in the vicinity of the anchorage area or close outside the restricted area. Berthing is carried out only during daylight hours but vessels may depart at any time. Tankers berth starboard side-to alongside the port side of the FPSO.

Vessels should send an ETA 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance. The terminal should also be notified if the ETA changes by more than 2 hours. Vessels should then maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz beginning 12 hours before arrival and contact the terminal when within range.

A designated anchorage area, with a radius of 1 mile, is centered about 12 miles NE of the FPSO, in a deph of 38m. A restricted area, about 6 miles wide, surrounds the terminal and may best be seen on the chart. Vessels are prohibited from entering this area without prior permission from the terminal.

All tankers shall fly the Republic of Congo national flag during daylight while berthed at the terminal.

Caution.—Vessels approaching the terminal from the NW or SE are advised to stay well offshore to avoid the oil and gas development activities, most of which take place in depths of less than 200m.

Local storms, with violent winds for brief periods, may be experienced between November and March, with January being the month of greatest frequency.

Location