UN/LOCODE: ERASA📍 Eritrea

Port of Assab (UN/LOCODE ERASA)

❖ Coordinates: 13.0000°N, 42.7300°E

❖ Time Zone: Africa/Asmera

❖ UN/LOCODE: ERASA

## About the Port of Assab ### Overview The Port of Assab (UN/LOCODE: **ERASA**) is Eritrea’s second‑largest seaport and a pivotal maritime gateway on the Red Sea coast. Situated in the Debubawi K’eyyih Bahri region, the port operates in the **Africa/Asmera** timezone, facilitating coordinated cargo movements with both regional and global shipping schedules. Its geographic coordinates—**13° N latitude, 42° 43′ E longitude**—place it within a short sea lane of the Bab el‑Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for petroleum and container traffic bound for the Indian Ocean and beyond. ### Strategic Positioning Assab’s location offers natural depth of **approximately 14 m** at the quay, allowing it to accommodate Panamax and smaller New Panamax vessels without extensive dredging. The port’s proximity—roughly **150 km** north of the Djibouti border—creates a complementary relationship with the nearby Doraleh ports, enabling diversified routing for carriers seeking alternatives to the congested Gulf of Aden corridor. ## History ### Early Development Construction of Assab’s initial berths began in the late 1960s under the Ethiopian Empire, primarily to support the export of livestock and frankincense from the highlands. The port remained modest, handling an average of **30 kt** of cargo annually until the 1990s, when Eritrea’s independence prompted renewed investment in maritime infrastructure. ### Modern Expansion Following the turn of the millennium, the Eritrean government, in partnership with the **Eritrean Maritime Authority (EMA)**, launched a series of upgrades that culminated in a **€120 million** expansion completed in 2018. This project deepened the navigation channel, lengthened the main quay to **650 m**, and introduced automated mooring systems designed to increase berth productivity by **30 %**. The expansion marked a decisive shift from a regional fishing hub to a strategic commercial gateway. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berthing & Handling Assab’s primary quay can berth up to **four vessels simultaneously**, each equipped with **diesel‑electric cargo cranes** capable of lifting **40 tonnes** per lift. The port’s liquid‑bulk terminal features dedicated pipelines for **petroleum products**, enabling direct ship‑to‑shore transfers of up to **15 kt** per day. Container handling employs **RTG (Rubber‑Tyred Gantry) cranes**, with a combined outreach of **55 m**, allowing rapid transshipment between ocean carriers and inland hauliers. ### Storage & Logistics The terminal’s warehousing complex spans **12,000 m²**, comprising temperature‑controlled zones for perishable goods and open‑yard areas for bulk commodities such as **cement, fertilizer, and steel products**. An on‑site customs clearance center, integrated with the **Eritrean Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA)**, streamlines documentation, reducing clearance time to **under 24 hours** for compliant shipments. ### Connectivity Assab is linked to the national road network via the **Assab–Mekelle highway**, providing seamless road access to the Ethiopian interior. A newly commissioned **container yard** of **8 ha** supports **on‑dock storage**, while a dedicated rail spur under construction aims to connect the port to the **Ethiopian Railway Network**, enhancing multimodal efficiency. ## Economic Importance ### Role in National Economy The Port of Assab contributes an estimated **5 % of Eritrea’s GDP**, directly supporting **1,200 jobs** in operations, logistics, and ancillary services. Its revenue stream, primarily from **berthing fees, cargo handling charges, and customs duties**, accounts for roughly **US$45 million** annually, according to the latest figures from the **World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index**. ### Regional Trade Hub Beyond national borders, Assab serves as a critical conduit for **land‑locked neighboring states**, notably Ethiopia and, to a lesser extent, South Sudan. The port’s capacity to handle **over 1 Mt** of cargo per year positions it as a strategic alternative to Djibouti’s ports, especially for Ethiopian exports that seek to bypass congestion at Doraleh. This multimodal advantage is reinforced by recent bilateral agreements that grant preferential berth allocation for cross‑border freight. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Inland Transport Links The **Assab–Mekelle corridor** is the primary land bridge, spanning **≈ 600 km** of paved highway. Cargo from the port is distributed via **truck convoys** that leverage the **Ethiopian Federal Highway System**, delivering goods to major urban markets such as Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa within **24–36 hours**. Plans for the **Assab–Diredawa railway link** aim to further reduce transit times, targeting a **30 % reduction** in door‑to‑door logistics cycles. ### Principal Export Commodities Key export categories include **cement, livestock, fish products, and petroleum derivatives**. The cargo mix reflects Eritrea’s resource profile: **cement shipments** dominate bulk volumes, accounting for **≈ 35 %**, while **livestock exports**—primarily cattle and goats destined for Gulf markets—contribute **≈ 22 %** of total tonnage. Additionally, the port handles **containerized manufactured goods**, including textiles and processed foods, representing **≈ 15 %** of annual throughput. ### Shipping Lines & Services Assab is serviced by a consortium of international carriers, including **Maersk**, **MSC**, and **COSCO**, which operate **weekly** and **bi‑weekly** schedules on the **Red Sea‑Indian Ocean** route. Local stevedoring firms, accredited by the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)**, provide **customs brokerage, warehousing, and inland haulage** services, ensuring end‑to‑end logistics solutions. For authoritative shipping schedules and freight rates, consult the **Eritrean Port Authority’s portal** (https://www.eritreaport.gov.er↗) and the **UN/LOCODE** database for detailed port metrics (https://unece.org/unece/unlocode↗). By integrating deep‑water capabilities, modern handling equipment, and robust multimodal linkages, the Port of Assab stands as a cornerstone of Eritrea’s maritime strategy, positioning the nation as an emerging hub in the **Red Sea trade network**. Its continued development is poised to reinforce regional economic integration and support the growing demand for efficient, reliable sea‑borne logistics across the Horn of Africa.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

ERASA

Country

Eritrea

Province / Region

Debubawi K’eyyih Bahri

Latitude

13.000000

Longitude

42.730000

Timezone

Africa/Asmera

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Assab?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Assab is ERASA.

Where is Port of Assab located?

The Port of Assab is located in Eritrea, Debubawi K’eyyih Bahri. Its coordinates are 13.0000°N, 42.7300°E.

What time zone is Port of Assab in?

Port of Assab operates in the Africa/Asmera time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.22 m

Wave Direction65°

Swell Height0.14 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.

📍 Nearby Ports

Other maritime facilities geographically close to Assab.

Djibouti

Djibouti • 165 km away

Djibouti

Djibouti • 165 km away

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