UN/LOCODE: ILASH📍 Israel

Port of Ashdod (UN/LOCODE ILASH)

❖ Coordinates: 31.8044°N, 34.6553°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Jerusalem

❖ UN/LOCODE: ILASH

## About the Port The Port of Ashdod, identified by UN/LOCODE ILASH, is one of Israel's two primary deep-water maritime gateways on the Mediterranean Sea, strategically located at 31.804381 Latitude and 34.655314 Longitude. Operating under the Asia/Jerusalem timezone, Ashdod serves as a critical nexus for Israel's international trade, handling a substantial volume of the nation's import and export traffic. Situated approximately 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, it provides direct logistical access to the country's central and southern industrial heartlands, population centers, and agricultural regions. Its strategic position makes it an indispensable component of Israel's supply chain infrastructure, facilitating global connectivity for a diverse range of industries. The port is renowned for its advanced infrastructure, high operational efficiency, and commitment to sustainable maritime practices, positioning it as a competitive hub within the Eastern Mediterranean basin. ## History The Port of Ashdod was officially inaugurated in 1965, a landmark development designed to alleviate congestion at the Port of Haifa and to provide a more geographically central gateway for Israel's burgeoning economy. Prior to its establishment, Haifa alone bore the brunt of the nation's sea trade. The decision to build Ashdod was a strategic national imperative, aiming to distribute maritime traffic and spur economic development in the southern coastal plain. Over decades, Ashdod has undergone continuous expansion and modernization. A significant milestone was the inauguration of the "Eitan Terminal" in the early 2000s, which significantly boosted the port's container handling capacity and introduced state-of-the-art equipment. More recently, the port completed the construction of the "Southern Terminal" (also known as "Bay Port" or "HaDarom Terminal") in 2021, a massive undertaking that further expanded its capacity and introduced advanced automation capabilities, marking a new era of competitiveness and efficiency. This continuous evolution underscores Ashdod's adaptive capacity in response to growing trade volumes and evolving global shipping trends, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Israel's economic resilience and growth. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Terminals The Port of Ashdod boasts a comprehensive array of specialized berths and terminals designed to handle a diverse cargo mix. Its core strength lies in its **Container Terminals**, primarily the Eitan Terminal and the new Southern Terminal (Bay Port). These facilities offer deep drafts, accommodating Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs), with berth depths typically ranging from 15.5 to 17.3 meters. The Eitan Terminal features several quay cranes and substantial stacking areas, while the Southern Terminal represents a significant leap forward, incorporating semi-automated operations to enhance throughput and efficiency. Beyond containerized cargo, Ashdod operates dedicated **General Cargo** berths, **Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)** facilities for vehicle imports, and specialized terminals for **Bulk Cargo**, including phosphates, potash, and grains, alongside a modern **Passenger Terminal** serving cruise ships. The port's total quay length exceeds 4,000 meters, ensuring ample capacity for simultaneous vessel operations. ### Equipment Ashdod's commitment to efficiency is reflected in its cutting-edge equipment inventory. Its container terminals are outfitted with advanced Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes, including super post-Panamax and neo-Panamax models capable of handling vessels up to 24 containers wide. Yard operations are supported by a fleet of Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes (especially in the Southern Terminal), and Reach Stackers. The Southern Terminal notably features automated stacking cranes (ASCs) and a fully integrated Terminal Operating System (TOS) to optimize container flow and reduce turnaround times. For general cargo, the port utilizes a variety of mobile harbor cranes, forklifts, and specialized heavy-lift equipment, ensuring versatile handling capabilities for a wide range of goods. ### Logistics & Intermodal Connections The Port of Ashdod is meticulously integrated into Israel's national logistics network. It benefits from direct access to major highways, including Highway 4 and Highway 6, facilitating swift trucking of goods to all parts of the country. Crucially, the port is connected to the national rail network, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly intermodal option for container and bulk cargo distribution to inland terminals and industrial zones. Extensive storage facilities are available, including Container Freight Stations (CFS), bonded warehouses, open storage areas, and specialized cold storage units for perishable goods. The port operates under stringent security protocols mandated by the ISPS Code and employs advanced customs clearance procedures to ensure secure and expedited cargo movement. For further details on the port's operations, the official Port of Ashdod website provides comprehensive information. ## Economic Importance ### National Gateway The Port of Ashdod stands as a vital economic artery for the State of Israel, acting as a primary import and export gateway. It handles approximately 50-60% of Israel's containerized cargo volume, making it indispensable for the nation's trade balance and economic stability. The port's operations directly contribute billions of shekels to Israel's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually through port fees, customs duties, and the extensive supply chain activities it supports. By facilitating seamless international trade, Ashdod enables Israeli businesses to compete globally, fosters foreign investment, and ensures the continuous flow of essential goods and raw materials into the country. Its efficiency and capacity are critical for Israel's economic resilience, especially given its geographical location. ### Key Industries Served Ashdod serves a broad spectrum of Israeli industries. It is a critical import point for raw materials essential to the country's manufacturing sector, including chemicals, plastics, metals, and industrial machinery. The port is also the primary entry point for vehicles, consumer electronics, textiles, and food products destined for the domestic market. On the export side, Ashdod plays a pivotal role in shipping Israel's high-tech products, advanced manufacturing goods, pharmaceuticals, and a significant portion of its agricultural produce, including citrus fruits, dates, and specialized vegetables, to markets worldwide. Its specialized bulk terminals support the export of minerals like phosphates and potash from the Dead Sea region, crucial commodities for the global agricultural sector. ### Employment & Regional Development The Port of Ashdod is a significant employer, directly providing thousands of jobs in port operations, administration, and security. Indirectly, it supports tens of thousands of additional jobs across logistics, transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, and related service industries throughout the central and southern regions of Israel. Its presence has spurred considerable regional development, transforming Ashdod city into a major industrial and logistics hub. The ongoing investments in port infrastructure, particularly the new Southern Terminal, represent a long-term commitment to enhancing national capabilities and securing Israel's economic future by fostering a competitive and efficient maritime trade environment. For broader insights into Israel's trade landscape, resources like the Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry offer relevant data. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Key Trade Routes The Port of Ashdod serves as a pivotal node connecting Israel to major global trade routes. Its strategic location on the Eastern Mediterranean places it squarely on the crucial east-west shipping lanes. Key routes include direct container services to: * **Europe:** Extensive connections to North European hubs (e.g., Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp), West Mediterranean ports (e.g., Valencia, Barcelona, Genoa), and East Mediterranean ports (e.g., Piraeus, Limassol). These routes facilitate trade with the EU, a major economic partner for Israel. * **Asia:** Through the Suez Canal, Ashdod is directly linked to major Asian ports in China, South Korea, Japan, and the Indian Subcontinent (e.g., Singapore, Shanghai, Mumbai). These routes are critical for Israel's imports of manufactured goods and exports of high-tech products. * **North America:** Regular transatlantic services connect Ashdod to key ports on the East Coast of the United States and Canada, supporting bilateral trade in high-value goods and specialized cargo. * **Regional Feeder Services:** The port also acts as a transshipment hub for feeder vessels connecting to smaller ports in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, further extending its reach. ### Major Inbound Cargo Ashdod's inbound cargo profile reflects Israel's demand for raw materials, industrial inputs, and consumer goods. Key imports include: * **Raw Materials:** Chemicals, plastics, metals, timber, and crude oil for industrial processing. * **Machinery & Equipment:** Industrial machinery, construction equipment, and high-tech manufacturing components. * **Vehicles:** A significant volume of passenger cars, trucks, and other specialized vehicles arrive via Ro-Ro vessels. * **Consumer Goods:** Electronics, apparel, textiles, furniture, and various household items. * **Food Products:** Grains, processed foods, and other agricultural commodities. ### Major Outbound Cargo Israel's exports through Ashdod showcase its advanced economy and agricultural prowess. Major outbound cargo includes: * **High-Tech Products:** Electronics, software components, telecommunications equipment, and medical devices. * **Manufactured Goods:** Plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specialized industrial products. * **Agricultural Produce:** Fresh fruits (citrus, dates, avocados), vegetables, and cut flowers, often requiring refrigerated container services. * **Minerals:** Phosphates, potash, and bromines, primarily from the Dead Sea region, shipped as bulk cargo or in specialized containers. * **Defense & Security Equipment:** Specialized equipment and technologies. The port's strategic infrastructure, diverse cargo handling capabilities, and extensive global connectivity ensure its continued pivotal role in underpinning Israel's international trade and economic prosperity.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

ILASH

Country

Israel

Province / Region

N/A

Latitude

31.804381

Longitude

34.655314

Timezone

Asia/Jerusalem

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ashdod?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ashdod is ILASH.

Where is Port of Ashdod located?

The Port of Ashdod is located in Israel. Its coordinates are 31.8044°N, 34.6553°E.

What time zone is Port of Ashdod in?

Port of Ashdod operates in the Asia/Jerusalem time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.86 m

Wave Direction292°

Swell Height0.8 m

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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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