Major ports in Bahrain

Bahrain, an island nation near the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, is home to several important ports that play a vital role in its economy. These ports handle a variety of cargo, including containerized goods, bulk cargo, oil, and passengers.

Port of Mina Salman

Located in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, Mina Salman is the country’s main commercial port. It was established in 1962 and has since been expanded and modernized to accommodate the growing volume of trade. The port handles over half of the nation’s imports and exports, and is a major hub for containerized cargo.

The port has a quay wall spanning 800 meters, with 10 berths for handling general cargo and three berths for bulk cargo. The container terminal covers an area of 400,000 square meters and can store up to 10,000 TEUs. The port also has facilities for cold storage and reefer connections.

Port of Khalifa Bin Salman

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port, located on the island of Hidd, is a newer port that opened in 2009. It is privately operated by APM Terminals and is one of the most modern and efficient ports in the region. The port has a deepwater channel and can accommodate the largest container ships.

The port has a container handling capacity of 2.5 million TEUs and also handles bulk cargo, breakbulk cargo, ro-ro cargo, and passengers. It is a major transhipment hub for the northern Arabian Gulf region and is well-connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.

Al Manama Harbour

Also known as the Bahrain Harbour, Al Manama Harbour is not a traditional port but rather a commercial development project located on the northern coast of Manama. The project includes two harbor towers, a harbor gate, a commercial park, and residential buildings.

The harbor is home to the Bahrain Stock Exchange and many international investment firms. It also has docks for yachts and cruise ships. The project was designed to attract foreign businesses and boost the shipping sector in Bahrain.

Port of Sitra

The Port of Sitra is the nation’s most important oil and petroleum processing facility. It is located on the island of Sitra and is owned and managed by the government of Bahrain. The port handles over 1,000 vessels annually and includes berths for handling crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied petroleum gas.

The port also has facilities for ship repair and maintenance. It is connected to Saudi Arabia by an oil pipeline and is located near the Sitra refinery.

Port of Al Muharraq

The Port of Al Muharraq is located on the island of Al Muharraq and is primarily a tourist port. It is a popular destination for yachts, motorboats, fishing boats, and cruise ships. The port has a rich history dating back to the Portuguese era and was once a major center for pearl diving.

The port has a drydock that can accommodate ships weighing over 400,000 DWT. The area around the port is also known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the popular Arad Fort.

These are just some of the major ports in Bahrain. Each port plays a unique role in the country’s economy and contributes to its maritime trade.