Key port information can also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com/ports/topports.php

Port Overview

• 1991-2006: Closed for business as there were disagreements over who should control it
• May-December 2006: Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) takes over control of the entire city and reopens the port
• 2007-2009: Ethiopian forces, which ousted the UIC, secure the port and the WFP undertakes repair and refurbishment work
• 2009-present day: African Union and Somali government troops provide security - trade increases significantly.
• Mogadishu is Somalia’s largest port.
• In 2010 a new government was appointed, which then re-shuffled the port management and monthly revenue subsequently rose from US $0.9 million to over US $2.5 million.
• In October 2013, the federal cabinet endorsed an agreement with the Turkish firm Al-Bayrak, headed by Ahmed Salim, to manage the Port of Mogadishu for a 20-year period and also assigned Al-Bayrak responsibility for rebuilding and modernizing the port.
• In April 2014, the federal Government postponed finalization of the Seaport Management Deal pending the approval of a new foreign investment bill. The MPs also requested that the agreement be submitted to the legislature for deliberation and to ensure that the interests of the port's manual labourers were taken into account.
• In September 2014, the federal government officially delegated management of the Mogadishu Port to Al-Bayrak. Under the terms of the agreement, 55% of revenue generated at the seaport will go to the government and the remaining 45% is earmarked for the firm.
• The management transfer is expected to double the federal authorities' income from the Port. Al-Bayrak's modernization project will cost US $80 million.
• In accordance with international security protocols, the project will erect a modern port administration building and clean the ship entrance channels via underwater surveillance.
• As of September 2014, the first phase of the renovations are reportedly complete, with the second phase underway.
• During its first month of operation under Al-Bayrak, the port generated $2.7 million in service revenue.
• Total covered Storage space: 15,000 m² (Three warehouses of 5,000 m² capacity each).
• Large additional open storage space plus 30,000 m² for container marshaling yard.
• Cargo handling equipment: 9 x cranes of max capacity of 15 – 25 tons, 2 x forklifts of 5 tons and 4 x trailers of 15 tons.
  
  

Port website: Port of Mogadishu Website

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For information on Somalia Port contact details, please see the following link:

4.2.4 Somalia Port and Waterways Company Contact List

Port Performance

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on Somalia Port tariffs, please see the following document:

Somalia Port Tarrifs

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

Container Facilities

Since Albayrak took over the port in September 2014, the port mainly handles containerized cargos from various ports, three liners fully operate in Mogadishu Alport (MAP). They are (MSC, CMA CGM and Sima Marine). Containers are de-stuffed inside the port which made the whole port open spaces container yards with full and emptied containers. Business people adapted to the containers and all incoming cargo are 80% containerized, apart from fuel, cement and other construction items.

There were few times vessels with bulk cargo called the port. But mainly break bulk cargos are common goods received. 

Customs Guidance

In 1960 during independence, The Somali government established a custom law for the UN and international humanitarian Agencies that exempts them from paying taxes. Still the current Federal government follow that law which is under article 14. Tax exemption is processed through the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance. Without the clearance of this department no imports or exports can be released as it’s the responsible agency that deals with customs matters for both Sea Ports and Airports.
The Customs department operates under a national law and is authorized to examine the cargo for description verification, specification volume and/or quantity to assess its value in order to determine the correct taxes and customs duty.

For information on Somalia Port customs guidance, please see the following link: 1.3 Somalia Customs Information

Terminal Information

Grain and Bulk Handling

Nectar Company provides bagging services in the main Ports of Mogadishu, Berbera and Bossaso. Informed at least four to six weeks prior to the arrival of a vessel, they are able to install mobile units and provide the services as required. The company is also planning to provide the same services at Kismayo Port.

It is possible for ships with cranes to be used at the port for offloading cargo.

Main Storage Terminal

Stevedoring

• Stevedoring work or handling on board ships includes truck and trailer loaders, unloading and stacking in transit sheds and is charged as follows.
• Labour is sufficient and the ports operate 24/7 except Friday morning hours.

Hinterland Information

• The transport union is the main body that sources the trucks of different sizes, as only road transport is available in Mogadishu.

• Around 3,000 trucks are controlled by union and they have different sizes and are old.

• Sizes vary from 10 – 25 ton trucks. The older trucks are mostly used for short distance and shunting.

• Changes are expected to continue taking place as more and more transport companies emerge and with modern trucks, which are competing to take over from the old union trucks.

Port Security

• Port security is being reinforced day by day and UIC security guards are in control.
• The entrance to the Port of Mogadishu is cordoned off with a rope surrounding the perimeter and manned by a few armed guards and security officers.
• Vehicles and visitors are screened before they are allowed inside the Port.
• There is a shoes-off condition when entering offices and religious codes strictly observed.
• Security at Mogadishu Port is provided by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).