Complete Guide
to Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius
Port Louis Harbour is the principal maritime gateway to the Republic of Mauritius, serving as the island nation’s primary commercial port and transhipment hub for the Indian Ocean region. Located on the northwest coast of Mauritius at approximately 20°09’S, 57°30’E, the port handles over 99% of the country’s international trade and serves as a strategic stopover point for vessels navigating between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Managed by the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), Port Louis Harbour comprises three main terminals with specialized facilities for container operations, bulk cargo, general cargo, tankers, cruise vessels, and fishing activities.
The port has invested approximately USD 7 million in infrastructure development over the past decade and continues expansion to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes.
This comprehensive guide provides essential nautical and operational information for vessels calling at Port Louis, including terminal specifications, regulatory requirements, available services, and practical operational details.
Port Overview & Infrastructure
Port Characteristics & General Information
Position: 20°09’S, 57°30’E
Port Type: Natural harbour with artificial breakwaters
Maximum Draft: 14.5 metres at deepest berths (Oil Jetty)
Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels over 100 GT within inner harbour
Towage: Available, compulsory for vessels as per port regulations
Anchorage: Inner harbour mooring buoys (max draft 11.0m) and outer anchorage (17-70m depth)
Port Security: ISPS compliant, security levels monitored and enforced
Terminal Facilities & Berth Specifications
Port Louis Harbour operates three main terminals with dedicated quays for different vessel types and cargo operations:
Terminal I – General Cargo & Fishing
Quay A (210m, 12.2m depth): Black oil, fuel oil, edible oil, general cargo, bulk commodities (maize, wheat, molasses, soya-bean meal), passengers, inter-island trade
Quay D (170m, 12.2m depth): Similar cargo handling to Quay A
Quay E (135m, 9.0m depth): Black oil, general cargo, passengers, inter-island trade
Trou Fanfaron I (160m, 5.5m depth): Dedicated fishing vessel berth
Trou Fanfaron II (185m, 6.0m depth): Dedicated fishing vessel berth
Froid de Mascareignes (310m, 4.6-8.0m depth): Private fishing vessel facility
Terminal II – Multi-Purpose Cargo
Quay No.1 (123m, 12.2m depth): Black oil, coal, fertilizers, white oil
Quay No.2 (180m, 12.2m depth): Cement, coal, containers, general cargo
Quay No.3 (185m, 12.2m depth): General cargo and containers
Quay No.4 (185m, 12.2m depth): General cargo, containers, LPG, bitumen
Bulk Sugar Terminal (210m, 12.2m depth): Bulk sugar export, black oil
Mauritius Freeport Development (118m, 7.0m depth): Private fish handling facility
Cruise Jetty (124m, 10.8m depth): Priority for cruise vessels, available for other vessel types
Terminal III – Container & Tanker Operations
MCT1 (280m, 14.0m depth): Dedicated container terminal
MCT2 (280m, 14.0m depth): Dedicated container terminal
Oil Jetty (270m, 14.5m depth): Dedicated tanker berth
Note: MCT can accommodate three 8,000 TEU container vessels simultaneously. Future expansion plans include extending MCT by 240m with 18m draft to handle two 11,000 TEU vessels simultaneously.
Navigation, Approach & Pilotage Information
Approach: Port Louis is approached from the northwest. The harbour entrance is protected by breakwaters with leading lights for night navigation. Vessels should maintain listening watch on VHF Channel 16 when approaching port limits.
Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels exceeding 100 GT entering or leaving the inner harbour. Pilot boards approximately 1 nautical mile from harbour entrance. Pilot boarding arrangements must be coordinated through your ship agent minimum 24 hours before arrival.
Towage: Tug assistance is compulsory for vessels as determined by port regulations based on vessel size, type, and weather conditions. Multiple tugs available with varying bollard pull capacities.
VHF Channels:
– Channel 16: Port approach and general calling
– Port Control: Working channel (confirm with agent)
– Pilot Station: Working channel (confirm with agent)
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS): Operational within port limits. All vessels must report to VTS upon entering port limits and maintain listening watch throughout port stay.
Port Regulations & Compliance Requirements
ISPS Security Requirements
Port Louis is fully compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. All vessels calling at the port must comply with current ISPS requirements:
Pre-Arrival Security Documentation: Valid International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) required. Ship Security Plan must be available for inspection. Declaration of Security (DoS) may be required depending on security level.
Security Levels: Current security level is monitored and enforced by the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). Vessels must comply with security measures corresponding to the higher of the ship’s or port’s security level.
PFSO Coordination: Your ship agent will coordinate all security matters with the PFSO, including DoS execution if required, access control procedures, and security briefings.
Access Control: Strict access control enforced at all port facilities. All persons boarding vessels must be authorized and properly documented through your ship agent.
Customs & Immigration Procedures
Pre-Arrival Documentation: ETA notification minimum 48 hours before arrival. Complete crew and passenger lists. Cargo manifests and bills of lading. Ship’s stores declaration. Maritime Declaration of Health. Last 10 ports of call declaration.
Customs Clearance: All vessels must obtain customs clearance before cargo operations commence. Your ship agent handles all customs documentation and liaison. Customs officers board vessel for inspection upon arrival. Average clearance time: 4-6 hours for vessels with complete documentation.
Immigration Formalities: Immigration clearance required for all crew and passengers. Shore passes arranged through ship agent for authorized crew members. Visa requirements apply for certain nationalities requiring shore leave.
Health Clearance: Free pratique required before crew/passenger disembarkation. Health officer boards if Maritime Declaration of Health indicates health issues. COVID-19 and other health protocols enforced as per current regulations.
Environmental Regulations & MARPOL Compliance
Port Louis strictly enforces MARPOL Annex I-VI requirements:
Waste Disposal: Reception facilities available for oily wastes, sludge, bilge water, sewage, and garbage. Advance notification required for large quantities. Waste disposal arranged through ship agent. Discharge of any wastes overboard within port limits strictly prohibited.
Ballast Water Management: Vessels must comply with Ballast Water Management Convention. Ballast water exchange should be conducted outside port limits. Ballast Water Management Plan and record book subject to inspection.
Air Emissions: Low sulfur fuel requirements enforced as per MARPOL Annex VI. Vessels at berth should minimize emissions and operate auxiliary engines efficiently.
Pollution Response: Any pollution incident must be immediately reported to port authorities through your ship agent. Oil spill response equipment and personnel available.
Operational Information & Available Services
Port Services & Facilities Available
The following services and facilities are available at Port Louis:
Bunkering: Three bunker barges available for supply at anchorage: MT Louis 1, MT Tristar Glory, MT Minorque. All fuel grades available including VLSFO, MGO, LSMGO.
Bunkering at berth possible subject to port approval. Average delivery time: 6-12 hours from confirmation.
Fresh Water Supply: Available at most berths or via water barge. Quality meets international potable water standards.
Ship Repairs: Workshop facilities available for engine repairs, electrical work, hydraulic systems, and general maintenance. Certified technicians and classification society-approved workshops.
Underwater Services: Hull cleaning, propeller polishing, underwater inspection, anode replacement by certified commercial divers.
Provisions & Stores: Ship chandlers provide fresh provisions, frozen goods, bonded stores, deck and engine stores.
Surveys: Cargo surveys, draft surveys, bunker surveys, life raft servicing, fire equipment inspection.
Waste Disposal: Garbage removal, sludge disposal, bilge water, grey water, expired medicines.
Warehousing: Cold storage, general warehousing, freeport facilities available.
Working Hours & Public Holidays
Port Operations: Port operates 24/7 for vessel movements and essential services.
Terminal Operations: Container Terminal (MCT): 24/7 operations. General Cargo Terminals: Monday-Friday 0800-1600, Saturday 0800-1200. Overtime and weekend operations available upon request.
Customs & Immigration: Officers available during normal working hours. After-hours clearance available for emergencies with overtime charges.
Public Holidays: Port operations continue during public holidays with possible reduced services. Overtime charges apply. Your ship agent will advise on holiday schedules and applicable surcharges.
VHF Channels & Communications
Primary VHF Channels:
– Channel 16: Calling and distress (continuous listening watch required)
– Port Control: Working channel (confirm with ship agent)
– Pilot Station: Pilot coordination (confirm with ship agent)
– VTS: Vessel Traffic Services (confirm with ship agent)
– Tugs: Tug operations (confirm with ship agent)
Note: Your ship agent will provide complete VHF channel assignment and frequency list in pre-arrival documentation.
Vessel Requirements & Entry Procedures
Entry Requirements & Pre-Arrival Documentation
All vessels must submit the following documentation through their ship agent minimum 48 hours before arrival:
Vessel Documentation: Certificate of Registry, International Tonnage Certificate, Load Line Certificate, Safety Equipment Certificate, Radio Certificate, International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), Class certificates, Insurance certificates (P&I, H&M).
Operational Documentation: ETA and vessel particulars, Complete crew list with passport details, Passenger list (if applicable), Last 10 ports of call, Cargo manifest and stowage plan, Dangerous goods declaration (if applicable), Maritime Declaration of Health, Ship’s stores declaration, Ballast Water Management Plan and record.
ISPS Documentation: Ship Security Plan (for inspection), Ship Security History (last 10 ports), Declaration of Security (if required by PFSO).
Dangerous Goods & Restricted Items
Notification: Vessels carrying dangerous goods (IMDG Code classes) must notify port authorities minimum 72 hours before arrival through ship agent.
Documentation: Complete dangerous goods manifest, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Container packing certificates, Emergency response procedures.
Restrictions: Certain dangerous goods may be restricted or prohibited. Specific berth assignment based on cargo class. Special handling and segregation requirements enforced.
Waste Disposal Procedures
Port reception facilities available for all MARPOL Annex waste categories:
Annex I: Oily wastes, sludge, bilge water – arranged through ship agent
Annex IV: Sewage – pump-out facilities or tank collection
Annex V: Garbage (plastics, food waste, domestic waste, operational waste)
Annex VI: Ozone-depleting substances, exhaust gas cleaning residues
Procedure: Submit waste disposal request to ship agent minimum 24 hours before arrival. Specify waste types and estimated quantities. Waste disposal companies coordinate collection based on vessel schedule. Waste disposal certificates issued for record keeping.
Essential Contacts & Practical Information
Port Authorities & Key Contacts
Note: Your ship agent (Omega Shipping Agency) will coordinate all communications with port authorities on your behalf. The following contacts are provided for reference.
Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA)
Main contact through ship agent for: Port operations, Berth allocation, Pilotage and towage, Port security (PFSO), VTS coordination
Mauritius Revenue Authority – Customs
Ship agent coordinates: Customs clearance, Cargo documentation, Ship’s stores clearance, Import/export procedures
Passport & Immigration Office
Ship agent coordinates: Crew and passenger clearance, Shore passes, Visa requirements, Immigration formalities
Port Health Office
Ship agent coordinates: Free pratique, Health inspections, COVID-19 protocols, Maritime Declaration of Health.
Emergency Services & Contacts
For all maritime emergencies, immediately contact your ship agent (Omega Shipping Agency) 24/7:
Phone: +230 214 2705
Mobile 24/7: +230 5989 8839 (WhatsApp)
Emergency Services:
National Coast Guard (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre)
Fire Services (Port area)
Medical Emergency & Ambulance
Police (Port Security)
Note: Your ship agent will coordinate emergency response, liaise with authorities, and arrange necessary services including medevac, firefighting support, pollution response, or salvage operations.
Weather, Tides & Meteorological Information
Climate: Tropical maritime climate. Summer (November-April): hot and humid, 25-33°C, cyclone season. Winter (May-October): cooler and drier, 17-25°C, southeast trade winds.
Cyclone Season: November to May. Vessels should monitor tropical cyclone bulletins. Port may close or restrict operations during cyclone warnings. Your ship agent will advise on cyclone procedures and safe anchorage arrangements.
Tides: Semi-diurnal tides. Tidal range approximately 1.0-1.5 meters. Tidal information available through your ship agent and from port authorities.
Meteorological Services: Mauritius Meteorological Services provides weather forecasts, cyclone warnings, and marine weather information. Your ship agent will provide current weather information and forecasts with pre-arrival documentation.
Professional Ship Agency Services in Port Louis
Pre-arrival coordination and documentation. Port clearance and customs formalities. Berth allocation and pilotage arrangements. Bunker supply and provisions coordination. Crew changes and medical assistance. Technical services and repairs. ISPS compliance and security coordination. 24/7 availability for emergencies.
You can find here below, the prevailing port tariffs as issued by the Mauritius Ports Authorities. All costs charged by OMEGA SHIPPING AGENCY is in line with this tariff. We, as Shipping Agent, always aim for uncompromising transparency when dealing with our clients regarding charges in Port Louis, Mauritius. If you need any additional information we will be most glad to assist.
Just drop us an email at: operations@omegashippingagency.org
Contact Omega Shipping Agency:
📞 Phone: +230 214 2705
📱 Mobile 24/7: +230 5989 8839 (WhatsApp, Viber)
✉️ Email: operations2@omegashippingagency.org
🌐 Website: www.omegashippingagency.org
📍 Address: 2 Shakespeare Street, Port Louis, Mauritius
Mauritius Ports Authority registered • Available 24/7