Port Overview 

The Matadi Port managed by SCTP (Société Commerciale des Transports et des Ports) is located on the left bank of the Congo River and 150 km upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. The port is 1,610 m long and fitted with 11 quays. Containers, general cargo and bulk are the main vessel types here. Matadi is the main import/export gateway of the West. 

Port Picture 

View of the Port of Matadi from the road to Boma 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Most of the companies operating at SCTP Matadi Port are forwarding agents (E.g.GTM, Connexafrica, Amicongo) and trucking companies (e.g. NRJ, Afritrans, Sotraco). 
 
CMA-CGM is the main shipping company serving the SCTP Matadi Port. 
 
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Company Contact List and 4.8 Transporters Contact List.  

Port Performance 

SCTP Matadi Port is not deep enough to handle large vessels therefore the cargo needs to be transferred to feeder ships at neighboring ports. With the opening of the modern private MGT Matadi Port in 2016, the competitiveness of SCTP Matadi’s port declined. In 2022 the port captured 25% of the freight traffic.  

Berthing Specifications 

General Cargo Handling Berths 

Port Handling Equipment 

Port handling equipment is managed by SCTP, however, many of the equipment is damaged, broken or outdated such as dock cranes with a maximum capacity of six tons. It forms a serious limitation to handling activities and attracting new customers. Moreover, the SCTP Matadi Port has limited financial means to purchase spare parts and perform regular maintenance.   

Container Facilities  

Container yard area

Reefer yard area

Customs Guidance

The DGDA office (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises) is open from Monday to Saturday (8:00-18:00). The port is equipped with a cargo mobile scanner provided by their partner AUFS (Africa Union Financial Services) and the device has a capacity to screen one hundred fifty containers per hour. 
The OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle), DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) and PNHF/ SQAV – (Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale)    are also represented at the port. 

Cargo mobile scanner

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link:

1.3 Customs Information.   

Terminal Information 

Multipurpose terminal 

The SCTP Matadi Port is a multipurpose terminal allowing the handling of containers, bulk and bagging cargo.  
 

Grain and bulk handling 

Grain and bulk handling are performed at Berth #11 by the flour milling company Minoterie de Matadi (MIDEMA). The company is renting the berth to the SCTP Matadi Port and owns its handling equipment and materials (e.g. dock cranes).

Main storage terminal 

Stevedoring 

Stevedoring activities are only provided by SCTP Matadi Port.

They work in three shifts: 

• from 06:30 to 14:30 

• from 14:30 to 22:30 

• from 22:30 to 06:30 

Each shift has an average of 30-50 daily workers with a supervisor. The salary is US$ 4 per shift and they are paid after twenty-two working days. 

Hinterland Information 

The port is connected with Kinshasa via a 355 km paved road (Route National #1) that is in a good condition (9 -11 hours by car). However, as there is only a single road exiting from the city to the port, the city of Matadi is congested. furthermore, Kinshasa – Matadi is a two-lane road with heavy traffic due to the high number of trucks. Accidents often occur which can lead to roads being blocked in both directions for several hours. 

The 365 kilometers Matadi – Kinshasa railway has not been operational for a few years and requires major rehabilitation. Dispatching containers by train could be a solution to reduce road congestion and can be supported by handling operations as the container terminal is already fitted with tracks. Currently, a south Africa company ARSS (African Rolling Stock Solution) is operating from the SCTP Matadi Port terminal to deliver coal to the surrounding cement plants in the Kongo Central (E.g. CIMKO, PPC, CICO).  

Port Security 

Port Overview 

Opened in 2014, the “port sec” TICOM (Terminal International Containers et Manutention) is a public warehouse conceded type B (Ref. article 156 du code des douanes locales) with a capacity of 4,500 TEUs. Built by the Groupe LEDYA (also a shareholder of the MGT Port Matadi), the container terminal offers an alternative solution to evacuate cargo in case of port congestion. Matadi is the main gateway of the West corridor for import and export. 

 Port Picture 

Terminal container yards

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Most of the companies operating at TICOM Matadi Port are forwarding agents and trucking companies including TICOM which owns a fleet of up to 35 trucks. 
 
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Company Contact List  and 4.8 Transporters Contact List.

Port Performance 

In September 2022, TICOM was only operating 13% of its full capacity.  

Port Handling Equipment 

Port handling equipment is managed by TICOM.

Container Facilities  

Reefer yard area

Customs Guidance 

The DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises), the OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle) and DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) and  PNHF/ SQAV – (Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale) are represented at  TICOM Matadi “Port sec”.  

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Terminal Information 

Main storage terminal 

Hinterland Information 

The Matadi Port is connected with Kinshasa via a 355 km paved road (Route National #1) in a good condition (9 -11 hours by car). However, the city of Matadi is congested due to a single road to exit the city from the port. Then, Kinshasa – Matadi is a two-lane road so the traffic is very heavy due to the high numbers of trucks. Accidents often occur and the road traffic can be blocked for many hours both ways. 

The 365 km Matadi – Kinshasa railway has not been operational for few years and needs major rehabilitation. 

Port Security 

Port Overview 

The Boma Port managed by SCTP is the second largest port in the country. Built on the right bank of the Congo River, the port is 685 meters long and fitted with four quays. The port handles  containers, general cargo, bulk and RoRo.  

Port Picture

Zone B - Vehicle parking

Zone B - OCC workshop to control vehicle

Zone A - Quay #1 to #4 with storage facilities

 Zone D - Container yard area

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Most of the companies operating at SCTP Boma Port are forwarding agents (E.g., Connexafrica, Bolloré Logistics) and trucking companies. 
 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List and 4.8 Transporters Contact List.

Port Performance 

SCTP Boma Port activity is currently low due to the cancelation of commercial contracts (food) and shipping companies  such as CMA-CGM who ended their stopovers here.  

Berthing Specifications 

General Cargo Handling Berths 

Port Handling Equipment 

Port handling equipment is managed by SCTP.

Container Facilities  

Customs Guidance 

The DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises), the OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle), DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) and PNHF/ SQAV – (Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale) are also represented at SCTP Boma Port. 
 

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information 

Multipurpose terminal 

The SCTP Boma Port is a multipurpose terminal allowing the handling of containers, vehicles bulk and break-bulk cargo.  

Main storage terminal 

Hinterland Information 

The Boma Port is connected to Kinshasa via Matadi. The 125 kilometres Boma – Matadi (2 hours by car)  paved road is in a good condition and crosses the Congo River at the Matadi Bridge (formerly called Pont Maréchal).  

Port Security 

Port Overview 

The Banana Port managed by SCTP is on the right bank and in the mouth of the Congo River. The port is fitted with a single 75- meter quay. The types of vessels here are containers, general cargo and bulk. Please note the Port is located inside a DRC military navy compound, therefore a security check is mandatory prior entering.  

Port Picture

75-meter quay fitted with two dock cranes

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Forwarding agents and trucking companies operate at SCTP Banana Port (E.g. Amicongo, Connexafrica, Bolloré Logistics) The oil and gas company Perenco operates fields offshore in Muanda and utilizes the port to receive equipment and for the docking of its boat. 
 
For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List  and 4.8 Transporters Contact List.

Port Performance  

The SCTP Banana Port is a small port with very low activity due to its limited infrastructure.  
However, in January 2022 the government officially launched the construction of the Banana deep water port, which should be completed in 2025.The future port will feature an initial 600-meter quay with an 18m draft, a container handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs and a 30-hectare yard to store containers. The $1.2 billion project will be built by a private operator.  

Berthing Specifications 

General Cargo Handling Berths 

Port Handling Equipment 

Handling equipment is limited and managed by SCTP. 

Container Facilities  

Customs Guidance 

The DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises), OCC (Office Congolais de Contrôle), DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) and PNHF/ SQAV – (Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale) are also represented at the SCTP Banana Port. 
 

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Terminal Information 

Multipurpose terminal 

The SCTP Banana Port is a multipurpose terminal allowing the handling of containers, bulk and break-bulk cargo.  

Main storage terminal 

Hinterland Information 

The Banana Port is connected with Kinshasa via Boma and Matadi. The 120 kilometers Banana -Boma (1h45 by car) road has some parts  in a poor condition. 

Port Security 

Port Overview 

The Kalundu Port managed by SNCC (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Congolais) is in the vicinity of Uvira and located on the northwest coast of Lake Tanganyika.  

Kalundu is considered as the second port in terms of its importance and represents a strategical import route to supply DRC through Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia). However, private ports opened for in the last years are competing the SNCC and the poor conditions state of the Route Nationale 5 (Bukavu – Lubumbashi) areis also a drawback to boost the regional economic exchanges.  

Port Picture 

Quay #1 accessible by truck and fitted with warehouse

Quay #2

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Port Performance 

Berthing Specifications 

Port Handling Equipment 

Equipment is managed by the SNCC.  

Mobile crane and forklift in service at the port 

Port handling services 

The ADPK (Association de Débardeurs du Port de Kalundu) and the AMPK (Association des manutentionnaires du Port de Kalandu) with a capacity of 250 labors workers each are contracted to provide manual handling services at the port. The focal point is the Chef de Port and the rate is calculated per ton or unit (negotiable). 

Customs Guidance 

DGDA office is open from Monday to Saturday then and the below government offices are also represented to control either persons and/or goods: 

• DGM - Direction Générale de Migration   

• OCC - Office Congolais de Contrôle   

• PNHF/ SQAV - Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale   

For more information on customs in Republic Democratic of Congo (DRC), please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Terminal Information 

Warehouse available for rent with a capacity of 1500 mt. Large slide doors with entrance both sides and accessible by truck.

Hinterland Information 

Port Overview 

The port of Goma is on the shore of Lake Kivu and offers twelve quays to accommodate up to seventeen ships. Main traffic consists of ferry boats carrying both passengers and cargo to Bukavu.  A journey to Bukavu by ferry boats takes around eight hours and a  speedboat service is also available to reach Bukavu within three hours. 

Port Picture  

A speed boat at quay - a three-hour journey to reach Bukavu

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Below companies own or rent a quay at the Port of Goma and offer journeys to Bukavu on daily basis with a morning and evening departure. Passenger ticket prices vary from US$ 10 to US$ 70 depending on the class and service level (1st, 2nd class, speedboat). Each ferryboat accommodates 250 to 500 passengers and carries from 100 to 300 mt depending on the boat size. The speedboat carries 54 passengers maximum and operates twice per day (7:30 and 14:00). 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Port Handling Equipment 

Handling equipment such as mobile cranes can be rented. Alternatively,  handling is performed manually by daily workers organized under a union called AMAPOC (Association de Manutention au Port du Congo RDC). Handling services are charged based on the unit and type of commodity loaded/offloaded (e.g.1000 FC per sack of beans; US$ 2 for a carton box).

Customs Guidance 

DGDA performs random controls but there is no permanent office at the moment.  
Furthermore, the below government offices are also represented to control either persons and/or goods:  

• DGM - Direction Générale de Migration  

• OCC - Office Congolais de Contrôle  

• PNHF/ SQAV - Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale  

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Storage facilities 

Below the warehouses are occupied by several traders but a free space can be prepared upon request. 

SNCC Warehouse

Etoile du Kivu Warehouse

Port Security 

Police authority is represented by the unit “Escadron Police Lacustre”  

Port Overview 

The port of Bukavu is organized through multiples private ports along the shore of the Lake Kivu. The transportation companies offer both passenger and cargo services with ferry boats and water barges. There is also an important trade of sand and construction materials to supply the city of Bukavu and Goma. Some private companies and humanitarian organizations have their storage facilities along the shore fitted with a quay to receive cargo. 

Port Picture  

The SNCC occupies a large area with an administrative building, four warehouses and an 89-meter-long quay. However, their storage facilities require some rehabilitation to meet humanitarian standards (roof partially destroyed, no secured fence and a limited access for truck).

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Below companies run their own private port and offer journeys to Goma on daily basis with a morning and evening departure. Passenger ticket price varies from 10 USD to 70 USD depending on the class and service level (1st, 2nd class, speedboat). Each ferryboat accommodates 250 to 500 passengers and carries from 100 to 300 mt depending on the boat size. Some have water barges to carry sand and construction materials. Speedboat is 54 passengers maximum and operates three times per day (7:30, 11:00 and 14:00). 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Port Handling Equipment 

There is no handling equipment available at the port. Handling is performed manually by daily workers and arranged with each private company. 

Customs Guidance 

DGDA office is located next to the SNCC. Furthermore, the below government offices are also represented to control either persons and/or goods:  

• DGM - Direction Générale de Migration  

• OCC - Office Congolais de Contrôle  

• PNHF/ SQAV - Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale  

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Port Overview 

The Port of Kivovo is on the northwest coast of Lake Tanganyika and located two kilometers away from the Port of Kalundu. Managed by private companies, it offers both passengers and/or freight services to Kalémie, Boma, Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia). The infrastructure are fitted with a quay, warehouse and handling equipment. The local authorities have an office within their compound to ensure customs and police controls during embarking and debarking (DGDA, OCC, DGM…).

The port of Kivovo is a competitor for the historic operator SNCC, however, the poor condition state of the Route Nationale 5 (Bukavu – Lubumbashi) is also a drawback to boost the regional economic exchanges.  

Port Picture 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Hinterland Information 

The Port of Kivovo is an alternative importing route to supply DRC through the Northern Corridor under the authority of the Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) and the Central Corridor under the authority of the Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA). 

Port Overview 

The Port of Kasenga is on the northwest coast of Lake Tanganyika and located in the district of Kasenga, city of Uvira. For the time being, there is only a single transporter company, however, additional companies have planned to open their private ports within this area. 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies  

 For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.

Port Handling Equipment 

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL 

Hinterland Information 

Port Overview 

The multimodal SNCC Port of Ilebo plays a crucial logistics role to supply the province considering the very poor condition of the road from Ilebo. Manufactured products, construction material, hydrocarbon etc.… arriving from Kinshasa by water barges are then delivered to Kananga and within the province by train. The local economy highly depends on the train to ensure a continuous business trade and supply within the province.  
 
Below an indicative lead time and subject to change without prior notice.

Port Picture

Kasai River view from the 500 m long quay and a water barge arriving from Kinshasa.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Warehouses along the quay are rented by private companies such like Beltexco, Afrifood, PPC Cemen, to supply their customers or distribution centers in Kananga and within the province.  
Beltexco also offers a river transportation service with a fleet of 20 water barges (400 to 600 mt each) and can be contracted from Kinshasa. 

Then, several forwarding agents based in the Port of Ilebo ensure transshipment, wagon bookings, taxes / charges payments and cargo follow up on behalf of the customers.  

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List. 

Port Performance 

During rainy season, landslides often occur causing damaged tracks or train derailment on the legs Ilebo – Kananga – Ilebo. The resuming of train traffic can take several days or weeks depending on the maintenance and repairing duration. 

The SNCC port has a capacity to handle 300 mt per day .

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges 

Several charges and taxes applied then depend on the type of the goods (manufactured products, hydrocarbon, cereals…). Forwarding agents operating in the port are in the position to provide an accurate quote to the customers. The cost of a full loaded wagon may vary from 3500 USD to 5500 USD. 

Berthing Specifications 

Port Handling Equipment 

The port equipment is managed by the SNCC. 

Customs Guidance 

DGDA office is open from Monday to Saturday then the below government offices are also represented to control either persons and/or goods:   

• DGM - Direction Générale de Migration     

• OCC - Office Congolais de Contrôle     

• PNHF/ SQAV - Programme National de l'Hygiène aux Frontières / Service de Quarantaine Animale et Végétale     

For more information on customs in Democratic Republic of Congo, please see the following link:1.3 Customs Information. 

Main Storage Terminal 

Stevedoring 

Labor work is organized under a local union and the contracting service is facilitated by the forwarding agents.  
The handling charge is 75 USD per loaded wagon.

Hinterland Information 

Cargo is only moved out from the port by train considering the very poor condition of the road to Kananga.  
As previously mentioned, a train carries a maximum of 15 wagons (40 mt each) and frequency will vary according to the season. Then, the SNCC allocates wagon among all the traders and there is no possibility to obtain a fully dedicated train. Therefore, spreading out of deliveries must be considered and contracting a forwarding agent at the port of Ilebo is recommended to ensure a regular wagon booking and cargo follow-up. 

The road Kananga – Ilebo is 367 km, two days drive in 4x4 with an overnight in Mweka or Kakangé. The road is in very poor condition and becomes difficult during the rainy season.  

(Source: Carte des contraintes d'accès - Axe Routier Kananga - Ilebo  DRC November 2020 - Logistics Cluster)