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Port of Nouadhibou

MRNDB🇲🇷Mauritania

Port Location

About Port of Nouadhibou

This Mauritanian port on the Atlantic Ocean is a medium-sized, naturally sheltered harbor. It handles bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo, with facilities including mobile and fixed cranes. Pilotage and tug services are compulsory.

Background
Nouadhibou, formerly named Port-Étienne, is the second largest city in Mauritania and serves as a major commercial center. The city has about 173,000 inhabitants. It is situated on a 65-kilometre peninsula or headland called Ras Nouadhibou, Cap Blanc, or Cabo Blanco, of which the western side has the city of La Güera. Nouadhibou is consequently located merely a couple of kilometers from the border between Mauritania and Western Sahara. Its current mayor is Elghassem Ould Bellali, who was installed on 15 October 2018.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
16.15m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
28m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C
Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
45812 →
GeoNames ID
9222753 →
Wikidata
Q184184 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
MRNDB
Country
🇲🇷Mauritania
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
West Africa
Body of Water
Atlantic Ocean
Latitude
20.9090°
Longitude
-17.0415°

Terminals

NOUADHIBOU TERMINAL

PORT AUTONOME DE NOUADHIBOU

Port Buildings Main Road, B.P 236, Nouadhibou, Mauritania

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Nouadhibou?+
The controlling depth at Nouadhibou is 16.15 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Nouadhibou?+
The approach to Nouadhibou is supported by 3 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Pointe Chacal Lighthouse at 1.5 NM to the WSW. Other aids include Pointe De Cansado (3.3 NM SSE), Punta Güera (5.8 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Nouadhibou on?+
The Port of Nouadhibou is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean in MR. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Nouadhibou?+
You can track vessels near Nouadhibou (MRNDB) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for MRNDB on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Nouadhibou?+
The Port of Nouadhibou operates in the UTC+0 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Nouadhibou?+
NOUADHIBOU (UN/Locode: MRNDB), Mauritania is a seaport located at approximately 20.90900° N, -17.04150° E.
Where is the Port of Nouadhibou located?+
Coordinates: 20.90900° N, -17.04150° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Nouadhibou?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts and 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, Mediterranean mooring, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 7.1m - 9.1m; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 17.1m - 18.2m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 16.15 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Nouadhibou?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Nouadhibou?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Nouadhibou?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger and Tanker.