Plizio Visual Lab
Cabnave Shipyard
The Cabnave Shipyard in Mindelo on São Vicente Island is the premier shipbuilding and repair facility in the central Atlantic region. Since starting operations in 1983, it has played a critical role in Cape Verde's maritime economy and serves as a regional service provider for international fleets. The shipyard is located at the southern end of Porto Grande harbor and features impressive infrastructure, including six dry docks and a modern ship-lift system capable of handling vessels up to 2800 tons. Cabnave provides a wide range of services, from mechanical maintenance and metal fabrication to electronic repairs. Due to Mindelo's strategic location, the shipyard is a preferred stop for fishing vessels, commercial ships, and yachts crossing between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The facility contributes significantly to employment in Mindelo and promotes technical training in the maritime sector. Despite increasing regional competition, Cabnave remains a competitive player in the industry through continuous certifications and partnerships with international shipping companies.
- Location: Cape Verde
- Top sights: Praia de Laginha · Fortim D'El Rei · Manuel d'Novas
- Nearby: Salamansa (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 37 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 28 | 46 | 27 | 37 | 50 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Commenced operations in 1983 in Mindelo as a state shipyard.
- Features a ship-lift system for vessels weighing up to 2800 tons.
- Has a total of six dry docks for simultaneous repair works.
- Is the only certified large-scale shipyard in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Employs hundreds of skilled professionals from the maritime sector.
- Works closely with international fishing fleets from Europe and beyond.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cabnave Shipyard (10)
Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral
Monument to the Portuguese aviation pioneers.
Corsino Antonio Fortes
Monument to Cape Verdean poet Corsino Fortes.
CNAD - National Centre for Arts, Craft and Design🏛 museum
National centre for arts, crafts and design.
Luís Morais
Monument to Cape Verdean musician Luís Morais.
Praça Nova (Praça Amilcar Cabral)🌳 park
Central square in Mindelo with green areas.
Eden Park Cine-Theatre
Historic cinema and theatre building in Mindelo.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Cabnave?
Can you visit the shipyard?
Where exactly is it located?
How many employees does Cabnave have?
What types of ships are repaired there?
Cabnave Shipyard: where is it located?
Cabnave Shipyard: what is there to see?
Cabnave Shipyard: when is the best time to visit?
Cabnave Shipyard: why is it worth visiting?





















