Port Overview

The Ports of Gonaives and Sedren/Terminal Gonaives both lie withing the Baie de Gonaives. They are separate facilities. Both are managed by APN, but Sedren/Terminal Gonaives is reputed to have private ownership. The port in the centre of the town of Gonaives is largely derelict. Sedren/Terminal Gonaives is the more developed port, it was originally constructed as a port to export bauxite mined in the area. Ownership of Sedren/Terminal Gonaives is contested and there is no regular vessel schedule.

There are no office facilities at this port. The port is currently closed (June 2022), and ownership is contested.

Key port information may also be found at http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

Berthing Specifications

The conventional berth is oriented NE-SW and is well protected inside the bay. The pier face is in poor condition with no real fenders and exposed reinforcing bar. There is a potential RoRo ramp, but the area is heavily silted, and ship ramps are not likely to reach dry land. This could make discharge of heavy vehicles impossible.

Conventional berth

Heavily-silted Roro berth

Port Handling Equipment

There is a crane onsite, but there is no evidence that this crane works.

Storage Facilities

The existing warehouse is in poor condition. The original construction is sound, but sheets of tin and one door are missing. Dimensions (35 m x 14 m). The port area is littered with disused containers. There would be plenty of room for container storage.

Security 

Security officers are present. There is a wire-topped 2 m wall around much of the facility & 2 m wire fence in other places. The fences and walls are not well maintained.

Port Access

The port is 5 km from the centre of Gonaives. The last 1.6km is along a poorly maintained unpaved road. This may cause issues in the rainy season.