The Hashemite Kingdom of  jordanian port city is located in West Asia, bordering Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and also Palestine. The 26 km long coastline runs along the Red Sea to the southwest, with the Dead Sea on the western front.

Jordanian port city is called an “oasis of stability” because it is unaffected by the violence and turmoil of the Middle East. It is a semi-arid country and one of the smallest economies in the region. Nevertheless, it is an attractive destination for foreign investors and tourists alike.

Jordanian port city has only one major port, also the Port of Aqaba, located at the entrance to the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba. Through the port,  jordanian port city hopes to expand its trade and communication with the rest of the world.

Aqaba

Aqaba has a multimodal transportation and logistics network, as well as famous beaches and diving resorts. As an industrial centre exporting phosphates and shellfish, it also makes an important contribution to  jordanian port city’s economy.

The government has invested in a number of projects to bring Aqaba Port on par with global port standards. Since 2000, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone has been created, providing many economic opportunities for local residents. This venture has also encouraged the construction of many new resorts and the growth of Aqaba as a popular tourist destination. It has also attracted many shipping companies to invest in the Aqaba Port.

Currently, the Aqaba Port consists of 12 terminals with 32 modern berths, operates with the latest technology, and also has world-class facilities. The government’s objectives are to promote maritime trade, foster public-private partnerships, and also provide quality services through the Aqaba Port. Therefore, it makes an important contribution to the  jordanian port city in economy.

Transshipment Port

Serves as a transshipment port centre and is strategically located. Its deep water location gives it an advantage over other ports in the region. Regular ferries run from the Egyptian port of Aqaba to the port of Noeibwe. It is well connected to the airport, road and also rail.

Aqaba Port Authority was established by Royal Decree in 1952. Renamed “The Ports Corporation” in 1978, it is responsible for operating the ports and also their facilities.

Aqaba Port is currently owned by the Aqaba Development Corporation. In 2004, Aqaba Danish management took over. The aim was to increase Aqaba’s productivity and transform it into a global trade hub. Aqaba Port consists of three divisions: Aqaba Main Terminal, Aqaba Container Terminal, and also Aqaba Industrial Terminal.

Aqaba’s Main Port

Aqaba’s main port is located near the city of Aqaba. It was relocated from the city centre to the south in 2006 because the water was deeper in the south. This has increased the efficiency of Aqaba Port.

There are 12 berths and the total length is approximately 2120 metres. The port handles general cargo and exports phosphates, grains, coal, livestock and also light vehicle transport. It is possible to berth large vessels with a displacement of approximately 70,000 to 80,000 tons and a draft of 14.5 metres.

All bunks have a 35 m wide apron, transit shed, semi-covered shed, and also open storage area. Berth 1 handles imported grain and is equipped with two unloaders with a capacity of 1,000 tons per hour. These unload grain into nearby grain silos.

Phosphate Berth A is 220 metres long, has a draft of 11 metres, and also can accommodate vessels weighing approximately 25,000 tons. Phosphate berth B is 180 m long and equipped with two shiploaders with a capacity of 2,200 tons/hour. The main port has cranes and containers, and the Aqaba Port Authority has fire fighting facilities, including three fire trucks, three ambulances, and two tugboats.

Container Terminal 

Aqaba Container Terminal strengthens the transport chain with effective and internationally renowned services and is a driving force for the economic development of the Hashemite Kingdom. A 25-year joint development agreement has been signed between Aqaba Development Corporation and APM Terminals. This is a business model based on public-private collaboration and technological innovation. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved, the container terminal was expanded to 1000m in 2015, and cargo traffic increased to 1.5 million TEU. Container Terminal has three 540 meter long berths. It can accommodate ships weighing approximately 85,000 tons. The terminal is equipped with three gantry cranes weighing approximately 45 tonnes, two mobile harbor cranes, 376 cooling points and handling facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment. Container Terminal is located 5 km south of the main port. It consists of Motaberth, Moshtelakberth, Roro Berth, and Yarmouk Berth, which is a passenger terminal.

Mota Berth 

It is a 150-metre-long floating berth. Has a width of 35 m and is suitable for ships with a draft of 23 m. It can accommodate ships with a displacement of approximately 54,000 tons. This berth carries out livestock farming and is connected to a nearby rice processing plant.

Moshtelakverse 

It is also called Dolphinverse. Has a length of 120 metres and a draft of 11 metres. It can carry vessels with a maximum displacement of 100,000 and has a conveyor belt with a capacity of 25 tons per hour. Cement is usually exported from this port.

Yarmouk Verse 

It is similar to Motaverse. It is essentially a passenger terminal, handling light traffic such as RO-RO vessels weighing approximately 19,000 tons and having a draft of 9 metres. The passenger terminal received a large number of pilgrims during the Hajj period, so further development was necessary. Therefore, Aqaba Development Corporation expanded and renovated all terminal buildings, expanded the shipyard, and created an additional courtyard area for use during the Hajj season.

Industrial Terminal 

Aqaba Industrial Terminal is located 18 m south of the main port. There are oil piers, wooden berths, and industrial berths including a west berth and an east berth.

Oil Pier

It was built in 1986 as a berth for four dolphins. It has a length of 150 metres and a draft of 25 metres. These are oil tankers weighing approximately 406,000 tons. We import and export petroleum and petroleum products. It has three built-in units for unloading crude oil, gas, and fuel. It also has 14 crude oil loading points and a bromide loading unit.

Timber Berth 

It is 80 metres long and has a draft of 7 metres. It is responsible for the export of livestock and timber.

Western Industrial 

The berth is 220 metres long and has a draft of 16 metres. It handles potash, salt, sulphur, and bulk cargo.

Industrial Berths 

It in the east are smaller than in the west. These are bulk fertilisers, ammonia, and chemical products.The Port of Aqaba Marine Services Company provides services within the port, including VTS, pilotage services, tugboats, garbage collection, and regular fresh water supply. The port of Aqaba was the most important centre of  jordanian port city’s economic development. In recent years, the port of Aqaba has undergone significant development. 

A window berth system was installed in the port.Port productivity increased by 40% .An inland logistics port complex was also created. There was also an increase in traffic, an expansion of storage areas, modernization of equipment and an increase in container volume. Another advantage of Aqaba Port is its direct connection with international shipping lines.