Education / Ports & Terminals
Warri Port
Complete Guide
Delta State petroleum hub and Free Zone: channel depth, terminal operators, Warri Refinery connection, and strategic importance for West African vessel chartering.
By Pius Nobei, MBA
Updated August 2026
6.4m
Channel Draft
250m
Max LOA (Dry)
14
Total Berths
Free
Zone Status (2011)
Overview
Delta Port Complex (Warri)
Warri Port Complex, also known as the Delta Port Complex, was built in the late 1980s on the One-Stop-Shop concept to cover the Western Delta area and attract oil companies with cost-effective benefits. The port has since grown into a multi-purpose facility serving the oil and gas industry and general cargo trade.
Declared a Free Zone in May 2011, Warri Port enjoys tax incentives, duty rebates, and streamlined customs procedures through the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). The port is strategically located between Lagos and Onne, offering an alternative to the heavily congested Lagos/Apapa port complex.
The port comprises two areas: Warri New Port (1,020,000 sqm) and Warri Old Port (530,000 sqm), with a total area of 1,530,000 sqm. It has 14 berths across both areas, with over 3,000m of jetty space and dedicated residential camp facilities for oil and gas personnel.
Port Specifications
Location
Warri, Delta State
Coordinates
5.5167°N, 5.7333°E
Channel Draft
6.4m (Escravos Bar)
Alongside Draft
6.6m (conventional berths)
Max LOA (Dry Cargo)
250m
Max Tanker LOA
156m
Max Tanker DWT
15,000 MT
Total Area
1,530,000 sqm
Free Zone Status
Declared May 2011
Annual Cargo
~382,000 MT
Annual Container
~1,000 TEU
Terminal Operators
Concessioned Terminal Operations
| Operator | Terminal | Berths | Cargo Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTELS Nigeria Ltd | Terminal A & B | Berths 1-5 | General Cargo, Oil & Gas |
| Julius Berger Nig. Ltd | Canal Berth | Berths 1-2 | Construction Equipment |
| Associated Marine Services | Canal Berth | Berths 1-3 | General Cargo, Liquid Bulk |
Free Zone Status
Oil & Gas Free Zone
Warri Port Complex was declared an Oil and Gas Free Zone in May 2011, making it one of Nigeria's designated free trade zones regulated by the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). Companies operating within the zone benefit from tax incentives, duty rebates, and streamlined regulatory procedures.
The Free Zone status has attracted significant investment in petroleum storage, logistics, and oil and gas support services. Matrix Group operates four petroleum storage facilities with a total capacity of 150 million litres for white products and 5,000 metric tons for LPG within the port area.
Warri Refinery Connection
125,000 bpd Refinery
The Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) resumed operations in late 2024 after a full revamp, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day. The refinery produces LPG (propane and butane), PMS, kerosene (HHK), AGO, and fuel oil.
Crude oil supply to WRPC comes from Escravos, approximately 80km from the refinery. The facility includes a jetty with facilities for fuel oil, diesel, and PMS import and export, as well as truck loading facilities for product evacuation and a railway line for future products evacuation.
Proximity
Nearby Ports & Terminals
Burutu
32km from Warri
Forcados
37km from Warri
Sapele
43km from Warri
Koko
61km from Warri
Forcados Oil Terminal
72km from Warri
Escravos Oil Terminal
81km from Warri
Frequently Asked Questions
Warri Port FAQ
What is the channel depth at Warri Port?
Warri Port has a channel depth of 6.4 metres at the Escravos Bar, improving to 7.2 metres at high water. The alongside depth at conventional berths is 6.6 metres. NPA is undertaking dredging to increase the available draft from the entry channel to the commercial jetties.
Is Warri Port a Free Zone?
Yes, Warri Port Complex was declared a Free Zone in May 2011. Companies operating within the Free Zone area enjoy benefits including tax incentives, duty rebates, and streamlined customs procedures. The Free Zone is regulated by the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA).
What vessel sizes can call at Warri Port?
Warri Port accommodates dry cargo vessels with a maximum LOA of 250 metres and maximum draft of 6.4 metres at Escravos Bar (7.2m at high water). Tankers are limited to LOA 156m, draft 6.4m, and 15,000 DWT. The port is strategically located between Lagos and Onne as an alternative to congested Lagos/Apapa.
What are the main terminal operators at Warri Port?
Warri Port has four main terminal operators: INTELS Nigeria Ltd (Terminals A and B at Old and New Port), Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd (Canal Berth), and Associated Marine Services (Canal Berth). The port has 8 berths at the Old Port and 6 berths at the New Port, with over 3,000m of jetty space.
What is the connection between Warri Port and the Warri Refinery?
The Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) has a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day and is connected to the port through dedicated jetties. The refinery resumed operations in late 2024 after revamp, producing LPG, PMS, kerosene, AGO, and fuel oil. Crude oil supply comes from Escravos, approximately 80km from the refinery.
Need Chartering Support?
Charter Vessels for Warri Routes
Calmwaters Shipping provides vessel chartering and port agency services at Warri and across Nigerian ports. Free Zone expertise. NPA Licensed Agent. BIMCO Standard terms.