Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE GW OXB

Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau · 11.87° N, 15.63° W

The World Port Index classes Bissau as a river port reached from the North Atlantic Ocean. It records a channel depth of 11 m and a cargo pier depth of 7.9 m. Norfolk is 6,620 km away in a straight line.

6,620 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
From Norfolk
6,620 kmGreat-circle distance

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
11 m
Anchorage depth
4.9 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
Oil terminal depth
3.4 m
Tidal range
6 m
Maximum vessel beam
36 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

Bissau is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
No
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Electrical repair
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with Guinea-Bissau

US exports, 2025
$8.4MLed by machinery and mechanical appliances
US imports, 2025
$13KLed by non-knitted apparel

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Guinea-Bissau

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.