GM Prefix and Three-Letter Location Code
The country prefix for Gambia is GM. The indexed code GMBJL combines the country prefix with the three-letter location code BJL for Banjul.
Seaports in Gambia: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Gambia has 1 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, centered on its maritime gateway at Banjul and the lower Gambia River.
Use the country-level port code directory to identify the indexed gateway, review indicative trade lanes, and request current sea-freight rates.
Gambia Port Overview
Gambia has a compact maritime network. Banjul is the principal seaport and commercial gateway, while the Gambia River provides navigable access for selected cargo movements subject to draft, tide, berth, and seasonal operating conditions.
1
Gambia ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
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National maritime cargo tonnage, 2025; YoY change not publicly reported in a comparable official series
Official public data not confirmed · 2025
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Container throughput in TEU, 2025; YoY change not publicly reported in a comparable official series
Official public data not confirmed · 2025
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Commercial seaport berth count, 2025; YoY change not publicly reported in a comparable official series
Official public data not confirmed · 2025
How many seaports does Gambia have?
Gambia has 1 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its Nov 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed-coverage figure, not a count of every river landing or private facility.
What is the largest or busiest seaport in Gambia?
Banjul is Gambia's principal commercial seaport and the country's primary maritime gateway. Its UN/LOCODE is GMBJL.
Which area handles most of Gambia's seaborne cargo?
The Greater Banjul and lower Gambia River area handles the country's main ocean-facing cargo flows, with Banjul serving as the indexed gateway for containerized, breakbulk, and general cargo movements.
Top Ports in Gambia by Indexed Coverage
The table contains the single Gambia port in the Ecer Freight country sample. A country-specific global rank, 2025 container throughput, and year-on-year change are not assigned where no reliable comparable public figure has been confirmed.
Gambia port reference table · recent complete statistical year: 2025
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Banjul | GMBJL | — | — | Greater Banjul and lower Gambia River |
Gambia Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Greater Banjul Gateway
The Greater Banjul area is the main ocean-facing logistics cluster represented in the country database and provides access to import, export, and regional distribution flows.
Indexed port facilities in the Greater Banjul gateway
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banjul | GMBJL | Banjul / — | Commercial gateway for containerized and general cargo |
Lower Gambia River Maritime Approach
The lower Gambia River links the maritime gateway with inland commercial areas. Navigation and cargo operations can be affected by vessel draft, tides, channel conditions, and berth availability.
Indexed port facilities serving the lower river approach
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banjul | GMBJL | Banjul / — | River-connected ocean gateway for national cargo flows |
National Maritime Gateway Coverage
Ecer Freight currently indexes one port or terminal in Gambia. Smaller river landings and non-indexed facilities are outside this country sample unless separately verified and added.
Country database coverage by indexed maritime gateway
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banjul | GMBJL | Banjul / — | Primary indexed seaport for international freight |
Gambia Port Codes and UN/LOCODE Structure
UN/LOCODE identifiers support consistent port selection across shipping instructions, customs documents, bills of lading, and freight quotations.
City-Level and Terminal-Level Codes
A city-level UN/LOCODE can represent a wider logistics location, while carriers, terminals, and operational systems may use more specific facility identifiers. The applicable code should be confirmed against the booking and shipping instructions.
How to Verify a Port Code
Compare the code in the booking request with the current UNECE reference and the Ecer Freight port directory. Confirm the port name, country prefix, terminal, and cargo mode before documentation is issued.
Shipping from Gambia: Main Trade Lanes
Gambia's ocean freight is generally routed through Banjul and connected to regional West African and international hub services. Transit times are indicative only and depend on transshipment, sailing schedules, equipment, port conditions, and customs clearance.
Gambia to Northern Europe
Export and import cargo may move between Banjul and Northern European hub ports through direct or transshipment services.
Gambia to the Mediterranean
Mediterranean services can support containerized commodities, project cargo, and general merchandise via scheduled regional connections.
Gambia to West African Regional Markets
Regional sea freight connects Gambia with West African markets, with service patterns varying by carrier network and port rotation.
Gambia to Asia and the Middle East
Asia and Middle East cargo generally uses transshipment hubs, making the final schedule sensitive to connection windows and equipment availability.
Data Sources and Methodology
Port coverage, code presentation, trade-lane descriptions, and statistical availability are reviewed against first-party database records and established public references.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party database snapshot for Nov 2026, containing 1 indexed port or terminal in Gambia.
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference framework.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Maritime Safety Information — navigational and maritime reference context, where applicable.
- UN Trade and Development — international maritime transport and trade context.
- World Bank Open Data — macroeconomic and logistics indicators used for contextual checks where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gambia Seaports
How many seaports does Gambia have?
Gambia has 1 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Nov 2026 database snapshot.
What is the main seaport in Gambia?
Banjul is the principal commercial seaport and maritime gateway in Gambia. Its indexed UN/LOCODE is GMBJL.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Banjul?
The indexed UN/LOCODE for Banjul is GMBJL, using the GM country prefix and the BJL location code.
Which region handles Gambia's main sea freight?
The Greater Banjul and lower Gambia River area handles the country's principal ocean-facing cargo flows.
Are 2025 port throughput figures available for Gambia?
A reliable comparable official 2025 container-throughput series was not confirmed for the indexed port, so no precise TEU figure is presented.
How current is the Gambia port data?
The first-party database snapshot is dated Nov 2026, while the most recent complete statistical reference year used for the page is 2025. Time-sensitive schedules and operational conditions remain subject to confirmation.
How can a shipper request a freight quote from Gambia?
Shippers can review FCL sea-freight rates or LCL sea-freight rates and provide the cargo details, origin, destination, equipment, and requested shipping date.
Editorial note: This Gambia port guide combines Ecer Freight's first-party indexed-port records with public maritime, trade, and location-code references. Port coverage is reviewed with database updates, while throughput, schedules, routing, and operational conditions are reviewed quarterly or when reliable new information becomes available.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Gambia: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact