Somalia Port of Berbera

Key port information can also be found at:

Website of the Maritime Database on Berbera Port 

Port Overview:

Located on the south coast of the Gulf of Aden along the NW Somali coast - Somaliland/ Galbeed (Saheel) region - about 250 kms east of Djibouti. The port was built in a natural bay formed by a low-lying sand bar with the entrance to the west. The port was developed by Russian and American aid, and the berths are distinguished between Russian and American wharves. Each one is approximately 325 metres although the Russian portion was built 30 years prior to the American, which was built in 1986.

Berbera, the principal port in the north, is presently the largest operating port of Somalia. The year round port of Berbera is the primary source of revenue for the administration of Somaliland and the largest employer generating direct and indirect employment opportunities (410 permanent employees, about the same number of contractual workers and approximately 900 stevedores and casual workers). Revenue from Customs duties and tariffs from the port consist a major component of the budgetary income of the local administration.
The port contributes to the expansion of regional trade and commerce and the Berbera - Ethiopia corridor represents a major economic generator for Somaliland.

The Berbera port is the entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial cargo for the regional hinterland stretching into Ethiopia. As reported by the Ports Authority, it is estimated that 50% of the cargo is in transit to Ethiopia (30%) and South Somalia (20%), though no official statistics exist. During 2000, the EU imported about 60,000mt through the port of Berbera. (Source FAAco, October 2005).

Livestock is the main export cargo with main destinations being Saudi Arabia, Yemen and UAE. Therefore exports were affected by the Gulf States' livestock import ban of 1998 and 2000 that is still in force. It was reported by the Ports Authority that losses due to year 2000 livestock ban amount to about 60% of revenue, 70% of labour (including casual labour) and 8% of inflation. Livestock market starts in mid/late June and peaks in November/December. Livestock trade contributes 60-65% to the national economy. About 60% of the population' livelihood depends either directly or indirectly on the livestock and its products. Imports through the port of Berbera are destined for Somaliland, Ethiopia, North Eastern Somalia and parts of Southern Somalia.

For more generic information on Berbera Port, please select the following document:

Additional Information

Port website: Website of the Berbera Port

Port Picture

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Description and Contacts of Key Companies

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Port Performance

Linear wharf of 650 metres long, sufficient width, divided into 5 berths of 125 metres each and one ro-ro of 25 metres. Draft ranges from 9 to 12 metres depth and maximum vessel length is approximately 200metres; water level suggests a depth restriction of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 metric tones per ship.

Berth occupancy is approximately 70% although priority berthing can be arranged in case of livestock or humanitarian cargo if requested by consignee. Geared vessels are preferential although mobile cranes are available up to 32 metric tonne capacity max.

There are no bulk facilities available and general cargo daily discharge rate is 1,200 metric tones although possible capacity is 2,300 metric tones per day. Both 20 and 40-foot containers can be discharged with no specific berth assigned. Cargo is generally delivered directly to consignee. Transport upon discharge from the vessel and workers under contract at the port perform stevedoring.

For more information on the port performance of Berbera Port, please select the following document:

Additional Information

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

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Berthing Specifications

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General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

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Container Facilities

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Customs Guidance

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Terminal Information

Multipurpose Terminal

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Grain and Bulk Handling

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Main Storage Terminal

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Stevedoring

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Hiterland Information

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Port Security

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