Summary
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Port operations
There are four major ports in Somalia which used to fall under Somali Ports Authority: Mogadishu, Berbera, Kismayo and Bossaso. The first three are deepwater ports, the latter is the fastest growing port in Somalia. All of these ports now fall under independent port authorities set up by local clans, as do the smaller ports such as El Ma'an and Merka. Due to civil instability and inter-clan fighting Mogadishu is not operational and Kismayo is closed to UN vessels although still used by commercial operators. Pirating of vessels is common in these waters; reckoned to be the most dangerous waters in the world and few foreign registered ships are willing to dock.
Since May 2005 a total of 27 ships have been hijacked and thereafter being used for hijacking additional ships within Somali territorial waters. The US has banned all dockage of UN and humanitarian vessels to Somalia.
Mogadishu Port
Located along the Indian Ocean on the South coast of Somalia, Benadir Region. Mogadishu port was the most active port that served civilian, humanitarian and military purposes in Somalia. Presently there is inter-clan militias fighting over the control of the port and therefore for security reasons closed to humanitarian aid operations. Cargo destined for South and Central Somalia is often routed through the ports of Merka (100km south of Mogadishu) and El Ma'an (30km north of Mogadishu).
Kismayo Port
Located along the Indian Ocean on the south coast of Somalia - Lower Juba region - it was one of the four major ports of Somalia playing a major role in the development of southern Somalia. During the UNOSOM time, the Kismayo port was mainly consigned to military operations. Presently, Kismayu is one of the export points of charcoal and to a lesser extent one of the import points of vehicles from the Gulf. The port can accommodate vessels up to 180 metres in length with a maximum draft of about 8 metres. It has 2 berths measuring 340 metres and 280 metres respectively and 2 roll on roll off (ro-ro) ramps. Due to security reasons and considerations, the port of Kismayo is closed to humanitarian aid operations.
Cargo for Southern Somalia is often routed through the ports of Merka and El Ma'an
Merka
Located along the Indian Ocean on the south coast of Somalia - Lower Shabelle region - about 100kms south of Mogadishu. Clans who have vested interests in keeping the port of Mogadishu closed control the Port. The Port has no infrastructure or facilities so vessels therefore discharge from their anchorage offshore and cargo is either picked up by barges or smaller vessels for beaching.
From the beach, cargo is picked up by trucks and delivered by road.
El Ma'an
Located along the Indian Ocean on the south coast of Somalia - Middle Shabelle region - 45km north of Mogadishu. A naturally protected port, which is currently run by Benadir Maritime and local port operations as a consortium.
Most shipments are made to Mombasa and thereafter trans-shipped and sent to El Ma'an.
Berbera (Somaliland)
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.
It 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.
Livestock is the main export cargo. 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.
Bossaso (Puntland)
Located on the south coast of the Gulf of Aden along the NE Somali coast - Puntland. Bossaso is a relatively new port.
Most of vessel traffic and sea trade through Bossaso port is carried by dhows, in 2004 a total of 613 dhows (about 82% of total) and small size coastal ships, 2004 a total of 75 ships (about 18%) for general cargo and 1,249,062 head of livestock and 4,326 tonnes of skins/hides/shark fins, incense and other cargo. Bossaso port is the entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial cargo for Puntland region and of the total of 688 vessels in 2004 with general cargo constituting sugar 69,577 tonnes, rice 57,635 tonnes, flour 48,529 tonnes, cement 51,690, construction material 41,204, diesel 36,195 tonnes (not bulk) and other 63,397 tonnes. The call of ships has increased by 12% in 2005, which may be largely due to the fact that the President by Presidential decree on March 9th 2005 abolished all tariffs to the port in order to encourage its usage.
The port of Bossaso is the most important source of economic and social development for the administration of Puntland, which can be seen, by the rapid development of Bossaso town and its environs.
The port is a major contributor to the economy of the Bari region and Puntlands stability on the whole.
Livestock is one of the main exports with the main destinations being in the Gulf region. Import cargo, such as cement, sugar, rice and construction materials has increased year by year.