Somalia, situated in the Horn of Africa, boasts a strategic location along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and piracy in the past, Somalia’s ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade, commerce, and maritime activities in the region. Here are the most important ports in Somalia:
List of Largest Ports in Somalia
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Mogadishu | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of Berbera | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Port of Kismayo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20 |
| Port of Bosaso | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20 |
| Port of Marka | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 15 |
| Port of Merca | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10 |
| Port of Barawe | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10 |
| Port of Eyl | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 5 |
| Port of Hobyo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 5 |
| Port of Xaafuun | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 4 |
| Port of Garacad | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 3 |
| Port of Bender Qassim | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 3 |
| Port of Bargaal | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 2 |
| Port of Las Khorey | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 2 |
| Port of Eyl | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 1 |
Major Ports of Somalia
1. Port of Mogadishu
The Port of Mogadishu is Somalia’s largest and most significant seaport, located in the capital city. It has long been the hub for both import and export activities, particularly for goods such as food, petroleum, and construction materials. Mogadishu’s port is critical for Somalia’s economic revival, as it supports not only the capital city but also other parts of the country. Despite facing challenges in terms of security, the port is actively being modernized to accommodate more significant volumes of cargo and improve shipping operations.
City Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Latitude: 2.0333° N
Longitude: 45.3425° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Afgoye | 30 | Mogadishu-Afgoye Road |
| Marka | 100 | Mogadishu-Marka Road |
| Baidoa | 225 | Mogadishu-Baidoa Road |
| Kismayo | 500 | Mogadishu-Kismayo Road |
| Jowhar | 90 | Mogadishu-Jowhar Road |
| Beledweyne | 300 | Mogadishu-Beledweyne Road |
| Afgooye | 30 | Mogadishu-Afgoye Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mogadishu Railway Station (Mogadishu)
- Jowhar Railway Station (Jowhar)
- Baidoa Railway Station (Baidoa)
- Kismayo Railway Station (Kismayo)
- Afgooye Railway Station (Afgooye)
2. Port of Berbera
Berbera, located on the Gulf of Aden, is one of the most important ports in Somaliland. It is the primary gateway for imports into the northern part of Somalia, including goods for landlocked Ethiopia. The port handles bulk cargo, containers, and petroleum products. It is strategically located, with an expanding infrastructure that has seen significant investment in recent years to boost its capacity and efficiency.
City Location: Berbera, Somalia
Latitude: 10.4194° N
Longitude: 45.0146° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hargeisa | 160 | Berbera-Hargeisa Road |
| Burao | 190 | Berbera-Burao Road |
| Wajale | 120 | Berbera-Wajale Road |
| Jijiga (Ethiopia) | 150 | Berbera-Jijiga Road |
| Sheikh | 45 | Berbera-Sheikh Road |
| Las Anod | 250 | Berbera-Las Anod Road |
| Oodweyne | 180 | Berbera-Oodweyne Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Berbera Railway Station (Berbera)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Burao Railway Station (Burao)
- Jijiga Railway Station (Ethiopia)
- Oodweyne Railway Station (Oodweyne)
3. Port of Kismayo
Kismayo is an important port city located in southern Somalia along the Indian Ocean. The port serves as a crucial outlet for the country’s agricultural exports, particularly charcoal, livestock, and fish. Kismayo also plays a significant role in the importation of goods such as fuel, foodstuffs, and construction materials. The port has been under development to enhance its capacity and improve its infrastructure to handle increased shipping traffic.
City Location: Kismayo, Somalia
Latitude: 0.3580° S
Longitude: 42.5450° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mogadishu | 500 | Kismayo-Mogadishu Road |
| Jowhar | 400 | Kismayo-Jowhar Road |
| Afgooye | 450 | Kismayo-Afgooye Road |
| Baidoa | 300 | Kismayo-Baidoa Road |
| Marka | 150 | Kismayo-Marka Road |
| Galkayo | 600 | Kismayo-Galkayo Road |
| Burao | 700 | Kismayo-Burao Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kismayo Railway Station (Kismayo)
- Mogadishu Railway Station (Mogadishu)
- Jowhar Railway Station (Jowhar)
- Baidoa Railway Station (Baidoa)
- Marka Railway Station (Marka)
4. Port of Bossaso
Bossaso, located in the northeastern part of Somalia in Puntland, is an important regional port that serves the eastern and northern parts of Somalia. It handles cargo such as foodstuffs, construction materials, and petroleum products. In addition to its role in commerce, the port also plays a key role in the fishing industry, with significant exports of fish and seafood. Bossaso is an integral part of Puntland’s economy, and the port’s infrastructure has been continuously upgraded.
City Location: Bossaso, Somalia
Latitude: 11.2794° N
Longitude: 49.1836° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Galkayo | 270 | Bossaso-Galkayo Road |
| Hargeisa | 600 | Bossaso-Hargeisa Road |
| Garowe | 200 | Bossaso-Garowe Road |
| Qardho | 170 | Bossaso-Qardho Road |
| Dhusamareb | 550 | Bossaso-Dhusamareb Road |
| Mogadishu | 1000 | Bossaso-Mogadishu Road |
| Burao | 600 | Bossaso-Burao Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Bossaso Railway Station (Bossaso)
- Galkayo Railway Station (Galkayo)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Garowe Railway Station (Garowe)
- Qardho Railway Station (Qardho)
5. Port of Berbera
Berbera, located in the region of Somaliland, is a crucial port on the Red Sea and serves as the key port for the landlocked country of Ethiopia. The port handles a wide variety of goods, including oil, livestock, agricultural products, and machinery. Berbera has historically been important for Somalia’s international trade and continues to play a significant role despite the political challenges facing the region.
City Location: Berbera, Somaliland
Latitude: 10.4194° N
Longitude: 45.0146° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hargeisa | 150 | Berbera-Hargeisa Road |
| Burao | 190 | Berbera-Burao Road |
| Wajale | 120 | Berbera-Wajale Road |
| Jijiga (Ethiopia) | 150 | Berbera-Jijiga Road |
| Sheikh | 45 | Berbera-Sheikh Road |
| Las Anod | 250 | Berbera-Las Anod Road |
| Oodweyne | 180 | Berbera-Oodweyne Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Berbera Railway Station (Berbera)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Burao Railway Station (Burao)
- Jijiga Railway Station (Ethiopia)
- Oodweyne Railway Station (Oodweyne)
6. Port of Kismayo
Kismayo is another important port for Somalia, located along the Indian Ocean. It plays a crucial role in transporting goods such as agricultural products, seafood, and livestock. The port has been under redevelopment to facilitate larger vessels and improve its capacity to handle both cargo and passenger traffic. Kismayo’s importance extends beyond its local role as it serves a significant part of the regional economy.
City Location: Kismayo, Somalia
Latitude: 0.3580° S
Longitude: 42.5450° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mogadishu | 500 | Kismayo-Mogadishu Road |
| Jowhar | 400 | Kismayo-Jowhar Road |
| Afgooye | 450 | Kismayo-Afgooye Road |
| Baidoa | 300 | Kismayo-Baidoa Road |
| Marka | 150 | Kismayo-Marka Road |
| Galkayo | 600 | Kismayo-Galkayo Road |
| Burao | 700 | Kismayo-Burao Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kismayo Railway Station (Kismayo)
- Mogadishu Railway Station (Mogadishu)
- Jowhar Railway Station (Jowhar)
- Baidoa Railway Station (Baidoa)
- Marka Railway Station (Marka)
7. Port of Berbera
Berbera, located on the Red Sea, is one of the most historically significant ports in Somalia. It is strategically located for trade with the Middle East and Asia. Today, Berbera remains one of the main commercial and transshipment hubs, connecting Somalia with global markets.
City Location: Berbera, Somaliland
Latitude: 10.4194° N
Longitude: 45.0146° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hargeisa | 150 | Berbera-Hargeisa Road |
| Burao | 190 | Berbera-Burao Road |
| Wajale | 120 | Berbera-Wajale Road |
| Jijiga (Ethiopia) | 150 | Berbera-Jijiga Road |
| Sheikh | 45 | Berbera-Sheikh Road |
| Las Anod | 250 | Berbera-Las Anod Road |
| Oodweyne | 180 | Berbera-Oodweyne Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Berbera Railway Station (Berbera)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Burao Railway Station (Burao)
- Jijiga Railway Station (Ethiopia)
- Oodweyne Railway Station (Oodweyne)
8. Port of Bossaso
Bossaso, located in the northeastern part of Somalia, is an important port for Puntland, handling trade primarily with the Arabian Peninsula and Yemen. It serves as a key port for livestock, fish, and agricultural products, as well as a transit point for goods moving through Somalia to the rest of Africa and the Middle East.
City Location: Bossaso, Somalia
Latitude: 11.2794° N
Longitude: 49.1836° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Galkayo | 270 | Bossaso-Galkayo Road |
| Hargeisa | 600 | Bossaso-Hargeisa Road |
| Garowe | 200 | Bossaso-Garowe Road |
| Qardho | 170 | Bossaso-Qardho Road |
| Dhusamareb | 550 | Bossaso-Dhusamareb Road |
| Mogadishu | 1000 | Bossaso-Mogadishu Road |
| Burao | 600 | Bossaso-Burao Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Bossaso Railway Station (Bossaso)
- Galkayo Railway Station (Galkayo)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Garowe Railway Station (Garowe)
- Qardho Railway Station (Qardho)
9. Port of Berbera
Situated strategically on the Gulf of Aden, Berbera is important for not only Somalia but also for international shipping traffic. It serves as a vital port for Ethiopia and is linked to various trade routes in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
City Location: Berbera, Somaliland
Latitude: 10.4194° N
Longitude: 45.0146° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hargeisa | 150 | Berbera-Hargeisa Road |
| Burao | 190 | Berbera-Burao Road |
| Wajale | 120 | Berbera-Wajale Road |
| Jijiga (Ethiopia) | 150 | Berbera-Jijiga Road |
| Sheikh | 45 | Berbera-Sheikh Road |
| Las Anod | 250 | Berbera-Las Anod Road |
| Oodweyne | 180 | Berbera-Oodweyne Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Berbera Railway Station (Berbera)
- Hargeisa Railway Station (Hargeisa)
- Burao Railway Station (Burao)
- Jijiga Railway Station (Ethiopia)
- Oodweyne Railway Station (Oodweyne)
10. Port of Kismayo
The port of Kismayo is located in southern Somalia and is vital for the country’s agricultural and livestock exports. It also handles commercial cargo and plays a significant role in regional trade, especially with nearby Kenya.
City Location: Kismayo, Somalia
Latitude: 0.3580° S
Longitude: 42.5450° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mogadishu | 500 | Kismayo-Mogadishu Road |
| Jowhar | 400 | Kismayo-Jowhar Road |
| Afgooye | 450 | Kismayo-Afgooye Road |
| Baidoa | 300 | Kismayo-Baidoa Road |
| Marka | 150 | Kismayo-Marka Road |
| Galkayo | 600 | Kismayo-Galkayo Road |
| Burao | 700 | Kismayo-Burao Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kismayo Railway Station (Kismayo)
- Mogadishu Railway Station (Mogadishu)
- Jowhar Railway Station (Jowhar)
- Baidoa Railway Station (Baidoa)
- Marka Railway Station (Marka)