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Port of Quelimane

MZUEL🇲🇿Mozambique

Port Location

About Port of Quelimane

Quelimane is a small natural harbor on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique, situated on the Rio dos Bons Sinais. It handles bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, and tankers, with fixed cranes capable of lifts up to 24 MT. Pilotage is compulsory for vessels navigating its 3.4m to 4.6m deep channel.

Background
Quelimane is a seaport in Mozambique. It is the administrative capital of the Zambezia Province and the province's largest city, and stands 25 km (16 mi) from the mouth of the Rio dos Bons Sinais. The river was named when Vasco da Gama, on his way to India, reached it and saw "good signs" that he was on the right path. The town was the end point of David Livingstone's west-to-east crossing of south-central Africa in 1856. Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique, and many residents of the areas surrounding Quelimane speak Portuguese. The most common local language is Chuabo. Quelimane, along with much of Zambezia Province, is extremely prone to floods during Mozambique's rainy season.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
5.02m
Channel Depth
3ft
Tidal Range
2ft

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
No
Cranes
Fixed
Drydock
Unknown
Repair Code
C

History

Established
1942

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
MZUEL
Country
🇲🇿Mozambique
Time Zone
UTC+2

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
East Africa
Body of Water
Indian Ocean
Latitude
-17.8835°
Longitude
36.8860°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
46910 →
Wikidata
Q318306 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Quelimane?+
The controlling depth at Quelimane is 5.02 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 Quelimane?+
The approach to Quelimane is supported by 2 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Vilhena Lighthouse at 13 NM to the S. Other aids include Macuse (18.2 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Quelimane on?+
The Port of Quelimane is situated on the Mozambique Channel in MZ. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Quelimane?+
You can track vessels near Quelimane (MZUEL) 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 MZUEL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Quelimane?+
The Port of Quelimane operates in the UTC+2 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 Quelimane?+
QUELIMANE (UN/Locode: MZUEL), Mozambique is a seaport located at approximately -17.88350° N, 36.88600° E.
Where is the Port of Quelimane located?+
Coordinates: -17.88350° N, 36.88600° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Quelimane?+
Harbor type/size: River Natural and Very Small. Cranes: fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 3.4m - 4.6m; anchorage depth 7.1m - 9.1m; cargo pier depth 4.9m - 6.1m and maximum draft approx. 5.02 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Quelimane?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Quelimane?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Quelimane?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, General Cargo and Tanker.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Quelimane?+
Ship suppliers include Moz Ship Supply Lda.