Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE CD BOA

Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo · 5.85° S, 13.05° E

The World Port Index classes Boma as a river port reached from the South Atlantic Ocean. It records a channel depth of 7.9 m and a cargo pier depth of 9.4 m. Norfolk is 10,340 km away in a straight line.

10,340 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
7.9 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
Max vessel length
178.5 m
From Norfolk
10,340 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Matadi40 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Of the 3 ports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with guides here, Boma records the deepest channel in the index. The index sets a maximum vessel length of 178.5 m and a maximum draft of 7.2 m.

Channel depth
7.9 m
Anchorage depth
7.9 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
Tidal range
1.8 m
Maximum vessel length
178.5 m
Maximum vessel beam
31.5 m
Maximum vessel draft
7.2 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Pilotage is compulsory.

Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Fair
Overhead limits
Yes

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is up to 24 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Dry dock
Small
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
No
Engine supplies
No
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
Yes

US trade with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

US exports, 2025
$223.8MLed by meat
US imports, 2025
$1.9BLed by copper

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Other ports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The nearest is Matadi, 40 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.