ASH SHIHR

• Latitude: 14.6842
• Longitude: 49.5289
• East Africa
• Offshore Terminal in Yemen

Address: Yemen

Marine Port Description and Specification: ASH SHIHR, Yemen

Overview: Ash Shihr is a seaport located in the Hadhramaut Governorate in southeastern Yemen, a country on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The port serves as a vital maritime hub primarily for the export of oil and its derivatives but also handles other types of cargo.

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 14°45'N latitude and 49°38'E longitude.
• Region: Arabian Sea, adjacent to the Gulf of Aden.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

1. Berths and Terminals:

   • The port is equipped with a few berths that can accommodate medium-sized cargo and oil tankers.
   • Specific berths are dedicated to oil exports, with facilities for loading and unloading petroleum products.

2. Storage:

   • Tanks and storage facilities for hydrocarbons are present, ensuring the port can handle large volumes of oil and derivatives.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Limited equipment for general cargo handling.
   • Specialized equipment for managing petroleum products including pipelines and pumping systems.

4. Utilities and Services:

   • Basic utilities are available including fresh water and bunkering (fueling for ships).
   • Surveillance and security are provided, aligning with port regulatory standards for industrial safety.

Navigational Aids:

• Modern navigational aids including lighthouses, radar systems, and radio communication facilities help ensure safe passage for incoming and outgoing maritime traffic.

Port Specifications:

• Draft: Varies but typically supports vessels with drafts up to around 12 meters in the dedicated berths.
• Tidal Range: Moderate tidal impact, standard procedures for docking.
• Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for large vessels to navigate safely through the port's channels.

Operational Aspects:

• Working Hours: Generally operates 24/7, with shifts and schedules to ensure continuous handling of shipments.
• Customs and Clearance: Efficient customs facilities exist to streamline the import/export processes. Security checks ensure compliance with international and local regulations.

Economic Impact:

• Contributes significantly to the local and national economy, providing pivotal support for Yemen's oil export sector.
• Fosters trade and logistics, benefiting from its strategic location along important maritime routes.

Challenges:

• Political instability and regional security issues can affect port operations periodically.
• Limited infrastructure for handling diverse types of cargo beyond oil may restrict its versatility compared to larger, more developed ports.

Future Developments:

• Potential expansion plans might include upgrading infrastructure for accommodating larger vessels and diversifying cargo handling capabilities to foster economic growth and support broader trade activities.

Accessibility:

• Accessible via road networks connecting to major parts of Hadhramaut Governorate.
• Adequate facilities for trucks and cargo transport vehicles facilitating intermodal transport.

Environmental Considerations:

• Compliance with international environmental standards and regulations for pollution control.
• Measures in place to handle oil spills and other ecological contingencies related to its operations.

The Ash Shihr port remains a key maritime asset for Yemen, particularly within the framework of the nation's oil export infrastructure. Efforts to enhance its capability and security can significantly boost its contribution to regional maritime trade.