UN/LOCODE: DJJIB📍 Djibouti
Port of Djibouti (UN/LOCODE DJJIB)
❖ Coordinates: 11.5721°N, 43.1456°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Djibouti
❖ UN/LOCODE: DJJIB
## About the Port
Djibouti (UN/LOCODE: DJJIB) is a strategically vital deep‑water port situated on the Gulf of Tadjoura in the Horn of Africa. Located at coordinates 11.5720765 N, 43.1456475 E, the port operates in the Africa/Djibouti timezone (UTC+3) and serves as the principal maritime gateway for the Republic of Djibouti. Managed by the Djibouti Port Authority (DPA) https://www.dpa.dj↗, the facility benefits from a natural harbor with an average water depth of 14 meters, allowing vessels of up to 180 feet draft to dock without the need for pilotage or additional dredging. The port’s single‑track railway, road network, and adjacent free‑trade zone create a multimodal hub that links the Red Sea with the Ethiopian highlands and the wider Horn of Africa region.
## History
Djibouti’s maritime significance dates back to the 19th century when it emerged as a French colonial outpost known as Obock. The construction of the Djibouti–Djibouti railway in the early 1900s transformed the settlement into a regional trade nexus, linking the interior of Ethiopia (then Italian East Africa) to the sea. Following independence in 1977, the government formalized port operations under the DPA, investing in modern facilities to capitalize on the opening of the Suez Canal’s southern approach. The 1990s saw substantial expansion, including the inauguration of a new container terminal and a dry‑dock facility, reinforcing Djibouti’s role as a logistics hub for the Horn of Africa. In recent years, the port has attracted Chinese and Gulf‑based investors, further accelerating modernization and deepening its strategic relevance in global shipping lanes.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Djibouti Port comprises several specialized terminals designed to handle a diverse cargo mix:
* **Container Terminal** – Operated by the Djibouti Container Terminal (DCT) company, this facility features nine berths with a combined capacity of 250,000 TEU annually. The quay depths range from 12 m to 14 m, facilitating the handling of post‑Panamax vessels. Automated gantry cranes and advanced ICT systems enable efficient stacking and retrieval operations.
* **General Cargo Berth** – A 300‑meter quay equipped for bulk and break‑bulk cargo, including timber, steel, and vehicles. The berth’s depth of 10 m accommodates medium‑size cargo ships.
* **Dry Dock & Ship Repair** – The Djibouti Shipyard, established in partnership with South Korea, offers a 200,000‑ton dry dock, extensive workshops, and a full range of repair and conversion services. This facility supports both commercial and naval vessels, positioning Djibouti as a regional maintenance hub.
* **Port Logistics Zone** – The adjacent free‑trade zone provides warehousing, customs clearance, and bonded storage. The zone’s fiscal incentives have attracted logistics firms, commodity traders, and manufacturing plants.
Environmental compliance is overseen by the Djibouti Port Authority’s dedicated sustainability unit, which implements waste management, oil spill response protocols, and green berthing initiatives to align with international maritime standards.
## Economic Importance
Djibouti’s economy is disproportionately dependent on port revenues, which account for roughly 30 % of government income. The port’s strategic location—situated 225 km east of the Suez Canal’s southern entrance—makes it a critical alternative route for vessels seeking to avoid congestion, piracy risks, or political disruptions in the Red Sea. This role is amplified by Ethiopia’s reliance on Djibouti for over 90 % of its import/export traffic; the port handles Ethiopian trade worth an estimated $5 billion annually, ranging from agricultural products to industrial machinery.
The port’s logistics ecosystem also supports regional trade in commodities such as coffee, tea, and minerals. According to UNCTAD trade data https://unctad.org↗, Djibouti’s container throughput grew by an average of 7 % per year between 2015 and 2023, outpacing many neighboring ports. Moreover, the port’s free‑trade zone has attracted a diversified investor base, including Dubai‑based commodity traders and Chinese state‑owned enterprises, further bolstering fiscal stability.
The economic multiplier effect extends beyond customs duties: the port’s operations generate over 10,000 direct jobs and support an estimated 30,000 indirect positions in transport, warehousing, and services. Infrastructure projects—such as the Djibouti–Ethiopia Railway modernization and the new expressway linking the port to the capital—continue to enhance connectivity, reinforcing Djibouti’s status as the “Gateway to Africa’s Interior.”
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Djibouti’s trade lanes are shaped by its hinterland relationships and global shipping patterns:
* **Red Sea & Mediterranean Link** – Vessels from Europe, the Americas, and the Far East frequently call at Djibouti as part of Red Sea crossings. Shipping lines such as CMA CGM, MSC, and Hapag‑Lloyd include Djibouti in their port calls to optimize route planning and reduce fuel consumption.
* **Ethiopia Trade Flow** – Ethiopia’s export basket primarily includes coffee, oilseeds, and textiles, while imports consist of petroleum products, machinery, and consumer goods. The port’s capacity to handle bulk commodities—evidenced by a dedicated phosphate handling terminal—supports Ethiopia's mineral exports.
* **Coal & Energy Transport** – In recent years, large coal shipments destined for Ethiopian power plants have become a significant cargo type. The deep‑water berths and heavy‑lift cranes accommodate capesize vessels, enabling Djibouti to serve as a regional energy logistics center.
* **Container Trade** – The container terminal predominantly handles generic consumer goods, automotive parts, and agricultural inputs. Seasonal spikes correspond with Ramadan and holiday periods, when demand for consumer goods surges across the Horn of Africa.
* **Maritime Services** – Beyond cargo, Djibouti hosts a growing fleet of offshore support vessels, oil‑rig towals, and cruise ships. The dry‑dock’s capabilities attract vessel owners seeking cost‑effective maintenance solutions in a secure geographic location.
Overall, Djibouti Port’s blend of natural advantages, modern infrastructure, and strategic location cements its role as a pivotal maritime node linking Africa, the Middle East, and the global supply chain. Continued investment, driven by public‑private partnerships and international funding, ensures the port will remain a catalyst for regional economic development and a linchpin in the evolving maritime landscape.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
DJJIB
Country
Djibouti
Province / Region
Djibouti
Latitude
11.572076
Longitude
43.145648
Timezone
Africa/Djibouti
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Djibouti?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Djibouti is DJJIB.
Where is Port of Djibouti located?
The Port of Djibouti is located in Djibouti, Djibouti. Its coordinates are 11.5721°N, 43.1456°E.
What time zone is Port of Djibouti in?
Port of Djibouti operates in the Africa/Djibouti time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.34 m
Wave Direction94°
Swell Height0.2 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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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.
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