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Port of Freetown

SLFNA🇸🇱Sierra Leone

Port Location

About Port of Freetown

This natural harbor on the Atlantic Ocean serves as Sierra Leone's primary port. It handles bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and general cargo vessels. The port offers wharf and anchorage loading/offloading facilities, with mobile and fixed cranes available.

Background
Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the Western Area of the country. Freetown is Sierra Leone's major urban, economic, financial, cultural, educational and political centre, as it is the seat of the Government of Sierra Leone. The population of Freetown was 1,347,559 as of the 2024 census.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
11.09m
Channel Depth
8ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
5m

Operations & Services

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

History

Established
1792

Terminals

FREETOWN TERMINAL

FREETOWN TERMINAL LIMITED (FTL)

Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town, 232 Freetown, Sierra Leone

www.freetownterminal.com →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
SLFNA
Country
🇸🇱Sierra Leone
Time Zone
UTC+0
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Area
West Africa
Body of Water
Atlantic Ocean
Latitude
8.4920°
Longitude
-13.2230°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
45862 →
GeoNames ID
10860364 →
Wikidata
Q3780 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
fcc.gov.sl →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Freetown?+
The controlling depth at Freetown is 11.09 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 Freetown?+
The approach to Freetown is supported by 2 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse at 4.4 NM to the W. Other aids include Île Matakong (49.1 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Freetown on?+
The Port of Freetown is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean in SL. 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 Freetown?+
You can track vessels near Freetown (SLFNA) 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 SLFNA on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Freetown?+
The Port of Freetown 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 Freetown?+
FREETOWN (UN/Locode: SLFNA), Sierra Leone is a seaport located at approximately 8.49200° N, -13.22300° E.
Where is the Port of Freetown located?+
Coordinates: 8.49200° N, -13.22300° E. Nearby terminals/ports:PEPEL — UN/Locode: SLPEP — 8.57350° N, -13.05900° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Freetown?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 7.1m - 9.1m; anchorage depth 14m - 15.2m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 11.09 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Freetown?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Freetown?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Freetown?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Passenger, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Freetown?+
Ship suppliers include MARINI AND BRICE SHIPCHANDLER SUPPLIER (MBSS) SARL.