Education / Ports & Terminals
Onne Port Complex
Complete Guide
World's largest Oil & Gas Free Zone: deepwater Federal Ocean Terminal, offshore support hub, and logistics centre for West African oil and gas operations.
By Pius Nobei, MBA
Updated August 2026
13m
FOT Draft
6,000m
Total Quay Length
220+
Service Companies
65%
Nigerian Export Share
Overview
Onne Port Complex
Onne Port Complex, situated on the Bonny River Estuary along Ogu Creek, is the first port in Nigeria to operate the Landlord Port Model. Strategically located, it is one of the largest Oil and Gas Free Zones in the world, supporting exploration and production for Nigerian onshore and offshore activities.
The port comprises two major terminals: the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) and the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT). The FOT was designed to dock large ocean vessels with a 13-metre depth channel, while the FLT handles container and general cargo. The complex provides easy access to the entire West African and sub-Saharan oil fields.
Onne Port accounts for over 65% of export cargo through Nigerian sea ports and hosts 8 principal oil companies alongside more than 220 service companies. It is the primary logistics hub for deepwater operations at Bonga, Agbami, Egina, and Preowei fields.
Port Specifications
Location
Bonny River Estuary, Rivers State
Coordinates
4.6845°N, 7.1575°E
Channel Depth
9.2m
FOT Draft Alongside
13m
FLT Draft
8-10m
Anchorage Depth
15.5m
Max Vessel
305m x 61m x 12m draft
Total Quay Length
~6,000m
FOT Quay Length
4,900m
Annual Container
~500,000 TEU (WACT)
Oil Companies
8 principal, 220+ service
Export Share
65% of Nigerian sea port exports
Terminal Operators
Three Major Terminals
Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT)
Operated by INTELS Nigeria Ltd. 4,900m quay length with 13m draft. Designed for large ocean vessels including VLCCs and deepwater support vessels. The premier deepwater terminal in West Africa.
Operator
INTELS Nigeria
Draft
13m
Quay Length
4,900m
Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT)
Handles container and general cargo with 8-10m draft. Brawal terminal has 200m straight quay with 9,400 sqm stacking area. Suitable for container vessels and general cargo ships.
Operator
Brawal
Draft
8-10m
Quay Length
200m
West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)
Operated by APM Terminals. First Greenfield container terminal in Nigeria built under PPP model. Handles container and general cargo with modern Gottwald mobile harbour cranes.
Operator
APM Terminals
Type
Container
Capacity
~500K TEU
Offshore Operations
Deepwater Offshore Hub
Onne Port is Nigeria's primary hub for deepwater offshore support operations. The port hosts specialised facilities for PSV, AHTS, and crew boat operations, with direct access to major deepwater fields in the Gulf of Guinea.
The port has one of the biggest harbour mobile cranes in Africa, the Liebherr 600 with 208 metric tonnes lifting capacity, and 220 Gmk5220 grove twin cranes capable of lifting single heavy cargo of 300 tonnes. These facilities support heavy lift operations for offshore platform installation and maintenance.
Deepwater Fields Served
Bonga Field
Operator
Shell
Type
FPSO Operations
Agbami Field
Operator
Chevron/Star Deep Water
Type
Deepwater Production
Egina Field
Operator
TotalEnergies
Type
FPSO Operations
Preowei Field
Operator
Seplat/Bronte
Type
Deepwater Development
Akpo Field
Operator
TotalEnergies
Type
FPSO Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Onne Port FAQ
What is the channel depth at Onne Port?
Onne Port has a channel depth of 9.2 metres. The Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) offers 13m draft alongside, while the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) has 8-10m draft. The anchorage depth is 15.5m, accommodating vessels up to 200,000 DWT.
Why is Onne Port called the world's largest Oil & Gas Free Zone?
Onne Port Complex is the largest Oil and Gas Free Zone in the world, supporting exploration and production for Nigerian onshore and offshore oil and gas activities. It hosts 8 principal oil companies and over 220 service companies, providing logistics for the entire West African oil and gas industry.
What are the main terminal operators at Onne Port?
Onne Port has three main terminal operators: INTELS Nigeria Ltd (Federal Ocean Terminal - FOT), Brawal (Federal Lighter Terminal - FLT), and West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) operated by APM Terminals. The FOT has 4,900m quay length with 13m draft.
Can Onne Port handle deepwater offshore support vessels?
Yes, Onne Port is Nigeria's primary hub for deepwater offshore support. The FOT accommodates large PSVs, AHTS, and supply vessels serving operations at Bonga, Agbami, Egina, and Preowei fields. The port has specialised offshore support facilities including heavy lift cranes up to 300 tonnes.
Offshore Vessel Chartering
PSV & AHTS for Onne Operations
Calmwaters Shipping provides offshore vessel chartering for deepwater operations at Onne Port. PSV, AHTS, and crew boat charter across Bonga, Agbami, Egina, and Preowei fields.