Education / Ports & Terminals
Calabar Port
Complete Guide
Nigeria's eastern gateway port, Cross River State. Draft specifications, terminal operators, chartering implications, and strategic importance for West African maritime trade.
By Pius Nobei, MBA
Updated August 2026
7.0m
Channel Draft
170m
Max LOA
9.6M
Annual Crude (tonnes)
3
Terminal Operators
Overview
Calabar Port Complex
Calabar Port is one of Nigeria's oldest and most strategically located seaports, situated in Cross River State. Historically, it served as an important focus of trade with the outside world for the Eastern States and a natural harbour for the Northern States of Nigeria from pre-colonial times.
The new port complex was commissioned on 9th June 1979 under the 3rd National Development Plan (1975-1980) and lies 45 nautical miles (approximately 83km) upstream from the Fairway Buoy. The port comprises the Old Port, the New Port, and the Dockyard, with jurisdiction over crude oil terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho, and Qua Iboe.
Today, Calabar Port is operated by world-class terminal operators and serves as a gateway to Nigeria's South-South, South-East, and North-East markets. Its strategic location makes it a feasible alternative to the congested Lagos port complex for cargo destined for eastern Nigeria.
Port Specifications
Location
45nm from sea, Cross River State
Channel Depth
7.0m (maintenance dredging)
Max LOA
170m
Max Draft
7.0m
Load Line Zone
Tropical
Annual General Cargo
~239,000 tonnes
Annual Container
~10,000 TEU
Annual Crude Oil
~9,600,000 tonnes
Terminal Operators
ECM, INTELS, Shoreline Logistics
Port Complex
Old Port, New Port, Dockyard
Terminal Operators
Three Concessioned Terminals
ECM Terminal Ltd
Operates multipurpose terminal handling container, break bulk, and general cargo. Located within the New Port complex with modern handling equipment.
Terminal Type
Multipurpose
Location
New Port
INTELS Nigeria Ltd
Major port services operator across Nigeria. At Calabar, INTELS provides full logistics and cargo handling services within the port complex.
Terminal Type
Oil & General
Location
New Port
Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Ltd
Provides specialised logistics and cargo handling services, particularly for liquid bulk and petroleum products through the port's jetties and tank farm facilities.
Terminal Type
Liquid Bulk
Location
Jetties
Berth Characteristics
Quay Length and Area
| Berth Area | Quay Length | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Berths 1-2 | 380.01m | 60,238.56 sqm |
| Berths 3-6 | 480.40m | 49,601.56 sqm |
| Old Port 1-2 | 88m | 31,603.76 sqm |
| Malvem Jetty | 55m | 6,809.97 sqm |
Chartering Considerations
Draft Limitations & Vessel Access
The 7.0m channel draft at Calabar Port is the primary constraint for vessel chartering. This restricts access to smaller vessels and prevents Panamax or post-Panamax classes from calling. For crude oil exports, vessels must be lightered offshore or use the crude oil terminals under Calabar's jurisdiction.
The Tom Shot shoal area records shallow depths of -5.0m and contributes significant siltation. Dredging campaigns have attempted to deepen the channel to 9.2m, but this has not been sustained. The Calabar Channel Management (CCM), a joint venture between NPA and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Services, is responsible for maintaining the navigation channel.
For larger tanker and offshore vessel requirements, consider alternative ports: Onne (Federal Ocean Terminal) offers 12-13m draft for deepwater operations, while Lagos Apapa handles Panamax-class vessels with 13.5m alongside depth. Calmwaters Shipping can advise on the optimal routing for your specific cargo and vessel requirements.
Strategic Importance
Gateway to Eastern Markets
Calabar serves as the primary port for Nigeria's South-South, South-East, and North-East regions, providing a viable alternative to congested Lagos ports for cargo destined for these markets.
Oil & Gas Hub
With jurisdiction over crude oil terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho, and Qua Iboe, Calabar handles approximately 9.6 million tonnes of crude oil annually, making it significant for petroleum vessel chartering.
Expansion Potential
The Calabar Multi-Purpose Port project aims to deepen the channel and expand facilities. If completed, this would significantly increase vessel access and cargo handling capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calabar Port FAQ
What is the channel depth at Calabar Port?
Calabar Port maintains a channel depth of 7.0 metres through maintenance dredging. The maximum draft for vessels is 7.0m with a maximum LOA of 170 metres. This restricts the port to smaller vessels and prevents Panamax or post-Panamax vessels from calling.
Which terminal operators serve Calabar Port?
Calabar Port Complex has three terminal operators: ECM Terminal Ltd, INTELS Nigeria Ltd, and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited. The port comprises the Old Port, the New Port, and the Dockyard, with additional crude oil terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho, and Qua Iboe.
What are the main cargo types handled at Calabar Port?
Calabar Port handles approximately 239,000 tonnes of general cargo, 10,000 TEU of containerised cargo, and 9,600,000 tonnes of crude oil annually. The port offers break bulk, container, liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro facilities. Its strategic location serves as a gateway to Nigeria's South-South, South-East, and North-East markets.
What vessel sizes can call at Calabar Port?
Calabar Port accommodates vessels with a maximum LOA of 170 metres and a maximum draft of 7.0 metres. The load line zone is Tropical. Due to draft restrictions, larger vessels including Panamax and post-Panamax classes cannot enter the port. Vessels typically handled range from 8,000 GRT to 15,000 GRT.
Is Calabar Port suitable for oil and gas vessel chartering?
Calabar Port has growing importance in the oil and gas sector, with crude oil terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho, and Qua Iboe under its jurisdiction. However, the 7.0m draft limitation restricts larger tanker calls. For deepwater offshore operations, Onne Port (Federal Ocean Terminal) with 12-13m draft is the preferred alternative. Calmwaters Shipping can advise on the optimal port for your specific vessel and cargo requirements.
Need Chartering Support?
Charter Vessels for Calabar Routes
Calmwaters Shipping provides vessel chartering and port agency services at Calabar and across Nigerian ports. NPA Licensed Agent. BIMCO Standard terms.