The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presents a unique maritime landscape, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the powerful Congo River. Africa Ship Service provides Class-approved, 24/7/365 integrated ship repair and maintenance services across the DRC’s strategic port corridor, including the deep-water gateway of Banana, the historic hub of Boma, and the vital inland port of Matadi. We specialize in the unique technical demands of river-sea navigation, providing elite engineering for cargo liners, tankers, and specialized river barges to ensure safe transit and operational excellence in one of Africa’s most challenging maritime environments.
INTEGRATED TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACROSS THE DRC’S MARITIME & RIVERINE GATEWAYS
Our operations in the DRC are tailored to the specific geographical and technical challenges of each port:
- Matadi Port: The DRC’s primary inland gateway, located 148 km upstream. We specialize in engine overhauls, bridge electronics, and general technical support for vessels navigating the Congo River’s currents.
- Boma Port: A critical transit point for timber and vehicles. We offer heavy mechanical repairs, steel fabrication, and mobile technical response in Boma.
- Banana Port: The country’s Atlantic deep-water entry point. We provide offshore support services, underwater maintenance, and rapid-response repairs for vessels entering the river system.
ELITE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF CONGO RIVER TRANSIT
Navigating the Congo River requires specialized technical readiness. We focus on systems critical for river-sea operations:
- Propulsion & Steering Optimization: Expert repair of high-performance rudders and steering gears, essential for navigating the river’s bends and variable currents.
- Dredging & Specialized Vessel Support: Technical maintenance for dredgers and support craft that keep the Matadi-Banana channel navigable.
- River Barge & Pusher Repair: Comprehensive mechanical and structural services for the extensive inland waterway fleet of the DRC.
HIGH-PRECISION ENGINE ENGINEERING & MACHINERY RESTORATION IN MATADI & BOMA
Our DRC engineering division provides factory-standard diagnostics and overhauls for major marine engine brands, ensuring reliability for the grueling river transit.
- MAN B&W & Wärtsilä: (Specialized two-stroke and four-stroke maintenance, including fuel system calibration and cylinder liner inspections in Matadi).
- Caterpillar & Cummins: (Major overhauls and top-end servicing for auxiliary generators and pusher engines across the DRC).
- Turbocharger Specialist Center: (24/7 overhaul and balancing for ABB, Napier, and MET units to maintain peak engine efficiency).
- Auxiliary Machinery: Repair of air compressors, heavy-duty pumps, and heat exchangers.
CLASS-APPROVED UNDERWATER HULL CLEANING & IWS IN BANANA & MATADI
Protect your vessel from the intense biofouling and sediment of the Congo River with our professional dive teams.
- DRC Underwater Hull Cleaning: Specialized removal of river-borne fouling and Atlantic barnacles to restore speed and efficiency in Banana or Matadi.
- Propeller Polishing: Mirror-finish polishing to Rupert Scale ‘A’ at the anchorage to combat the river’s resistance.
- In-Water Survey (IWS): Class-approved (ABS, LR, DNV, BV) inspections with HD video, essential for hull integrity checks after river transits.
- Subsea Repairs: Certified underwater welding, sea chest blanking, and anode replacement in DRC
DRC’S PREMIER BRIDGE ELECTRONICS & ELECTRICAL REPAIR HUB
Navigational safety is paramount in the Congo River. We ensure your vessel is GMDSS and SOLAS compliant.
- Navigation Systems: Repair and calibration of Furuno, JRC, and Sperry Marine Radar/ECDIS units in Matadi and Banana.
- Depth Sounder & Sonar Service: Critical calibration of depth-finding equipment for safe river navigation.
- Vessel Automation: PLC troubleshooting and Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) repair to prevent engine failure during transit.
RELIABLE 24/7 SHIP CHANDLER & TECHNICAL SUPPLY CHAIN IN THE DRC
- Technical Stores: Full inventory of Engine, Deck, and Cabin stores (IMPA/ISSA) delivered to Matadi, Boma, and Banana.
- Provisions: Fresh, frozen, and dry stores with guaranteed quality for crews in the DRC.
- Spares Logistics: Expert customs clearance and “door-to-deck” delivery of critical spare parts, bypassing local logistical bottlenecks.
PLAN YOUR DRC PORT CALL WITH THE TECHNICAL LEADERS
For emergency repairs, river-sea propulsion service, or certified underwater surveys in Matadi, Boma, or Banana, contact Africa Ship Service today. Our DRC teams are available 24/7 to ensure your vessel’s technical excellence and safe passage.