Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE SO BBO

Berbera, Somalia

Somalia · 10.45° N, 45.02° E

The World Port Index classes Berbera as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Gulf of Aden. It records a channel depth of 11 m and a cargo pier depth of 7.9 m. Norfolk is 11,950 km away in a straight line.

11,950 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
Max vessel draft
8.8 m
From Norfolk
11,950 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Kismaayo1,240 km away

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel draft of 8.8 m.

Channel depth
11 m
Anchorage depth
17.1 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
Oil terminal depth
7.9 m
Tidal range
2 m
Maximum vessel draft
8.8 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Berbera is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Fair
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Fuel oil
No
Diesel oil
No
Potable water
Yes
Deck supplies
No
Engine supplies
No
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
Yes

US trade with Somalia

US exports, 2025
$49.7MLed by aircraft and spacecraft
US imports, 2025
$701KLed by gums, resins and plant extracts

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Somalia

Other ports in Somalia

The nearest is Kismaayo, 1,240 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.