UN/LOCODE: BHMAN📍 Bahrain

Port of Manama (UN/LOCODE BHMAN)

❖ Coordinates: 26.2285°N, 50.5860°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Bahrain

❖ UN/LOCODE: BHMAN

## About the Port Manama port, identified by UN/LOCODE as BHMAN, serves as Bahrain's principal maritime gateway and one of the Gulf's most strategically significant harbors. Located on the island nation's northern coast, this deep-water facility handles the majority of Bahrain's international cargo traffic, supporting the country's role as a regional financial and commercial hub. The port complex encompasses both container handling operations and general cargo facilities, strategically positioned to serve the Kingdom's extensive oil and gas export requirements while accommodating growing conventional trade volumes. The facility operates within the Asia/Bahrain timezone (UTC+3) and sits at coordinates 26.2285161°N, 50.5860497°E, providing optimal access for vessels navigating the Arabian Gulf. As Bahrain's only major seaport, Manama functions as a critical node in Middle Eastern maritime logistics networks, connecting the Gulf's energy exports with global supply chains. ## History Bahrain's maritime heritage extends back millennia, but modern port development began during the early 20th century when the island's natural harbors gained recognition for their strategic importance. The establishment of formal port operations coincided with Bahrain's transition from pearl diving to modern commerce in the 1930s-1940s period. Significant expansion occurred following Bahrain's independence in 1971, when the government prioritized port modernization to support national economic development. The construction of dedicated container terminals in the 1970s marked a pivotal transformation, moving the facility from primarily general cargo operations to comprehensive multimodal logistics infrastructure. The port's evolution continued through the 10th century with substantial deepening projects and terminal upgrades, enabling accommodation of larger vessel sizes and enhanced cargo handling capabilities. Bahrain Ports Company↗ oversees ongoing modernization efforts, maintaining the facility's competitive positioning within the Gulf Cooperation Council region. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Manama port features extensive infrastructure supporting diverse cargo operations. The container terminal comprises multiple berths with advanced gantry crane systems capable of handling vessel capacities exceeding 10,000 TEU. Modern yard equipment includes rubber-tired gantry cranes and reach stackers, facilitating efficient cargo movement and storage operations. General cargo facilities accommodate bulk liquids, breakbulk cargoes, and specialized shipments including automobiles and steel products. The port's liquid bulk terminal handles petroleum products, chemicals, and LPG shipments through dedicated jetties and storage tanks meeting international safety standards. Security infrastructure includes comprehensive perimeter controls, customs facilities, and quarantine stations complying with international maritime security protocols. The port maintains year-round navigation aids and pilot services essential for safe vessel operations in the busy Gulf shipping lanes. Warehouse facilities provide covered storage for time-sensitive cargo, while adjacent land availability supports potential expansion projects. The port's IT infrastructure enables real-time cargo tracking and electronic documentation systems enhancing operational efficiency. ## Economic Importance Manama port serves as Bahrain's primary economic gateway, directly supporting over 85% of the Kingdom's international trade. The facility generates substantial employment across maritime services, logistics, and related industries while contributing significantly to national GDP through trade facilitation activities. Container traffic through the port supports Bahrain's manufacturing and service sector exports, including financial services, petrochemicals, and consumer goods. The port's efficient operations enhance competitiveness for Bahrain-based businesses in regional markets. Oil and gas export operations utilizing the port contribute billions to national revenue annually. The facility handles approximately 15 million tons of petroleum products yearly, making it essential to Bahrain's energy sector export capabilities. Strategic location within the Gulf provides inherent advantages for re-export activities, with Manama serving as a distribution hub for goods destined for inland Middle Eastern markets. The port's presence supports Bahrain's development as a regional logistics center. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Manama port connects to major global shipping routes linking the Arabian Gulf with key international markets. Regular services connect the facility with Asian hubs including Singapore, Dubai, and Jebel Ali, while European routes serve destinations such as Rotterdam, Genoa, and Constanta. Primary import commodities include raw materials for petrochemical processing, construction supplies, consumer electronics, and finished manufactured goods. The port handles significant volumes of steel, aluminum, and mining products supporting Bahrain's industrial development. Export cargo consists predominantly of petroleum products, petrochemical derivatives, and aluminum extrusions. The facility also processes substantial volumes of re-export cargo, particularly automotive components and consumer goods transiting to Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Bulk cargo operations include fertilizers, cement, and grain shipments supporting regional agricultural and construction sectors. The port's liquid bulk facilities handle refined petroleum products, naphtha, and chemical intermediates essential to Gulf petrochemical industry supply chains. Seasonal variations affect cargo composition, with construction materials peaking during Gulf winter months and consumer goods showing higher volumes during holiday periods. The port's strategic Gulf location ensures consistent traffic throughout the year, supporting stable employment and economic activity.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

BHMAN

Country

Bahrain

Province / Region

N/A

Latitude

26.228516

Longitude

50.586050

Timezone

Asia/Bahrain

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Manama?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Manama is BHMAN.

Where is Port of Manama located?

The Port of Manama is located in Bahrain. Its coordinates are 26.2285°N, 50.5860°E.

What time zone is Port of Manama in?

Port of Manama operates in the Asia/Bahrain time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

📍 Nearby Ports

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