BERBERA, Somaliland (HornPost) — DP World has launched a new shipping service connecting Jebel Ali Port in Dubai with Berbera Port in Somaliland, strengthening trade links between the Gulf and East Africa.
The service operates every nine days and calls at Aden and Djibouti. It aims to provide more reliable connections for businesses moving goods between the Middle East and regional markets.
From Berbera, cargo can also move overland to Ethiopia and other inland destinations. The route offers traders another option for moving goods into the Horn of Africa.
Ganesh Raj, DP World’s group chief operating officer for marine services, said the new service builds on the company’s investments in African infrastructure.
“The Jebel Ali to Berbera service further complements DP World’s investment drive into Africa,” Raj said.
He added that the service would improve connectivity for customers and strengthen trade links between the Middle East and East Africa.
Berbera Port Expands Its Regional Role
Berbera Port is operated through a partnership between DP World and the Somaliland government. The port has undergone major expansion since DP World began operations in 2017.
Its upgraded quay stretches 1,050 meters and includes a 400-metre berth designed to accommodate large container vessels. The port also has modern container and general cargo facilities, as well as a livestock terminal.
The livestock terminal has an annual capacity of about four million animals, according to the information provided by DP World.
DP World holds a 58.5% stake in the port’s container and general cargo terminal. The port’s location provides access to major shipping routes linking East and West.
The adjacent Berbera Special Economic Zone is designed to attract foreign investment and support industrial development.
Supachai Wattanaveerachai, CEO of DP World Horn of Africa, described the new shipping corridor as an important milestone in the company’s regional strategy.
He said DP World’s investments in Berbera were helping stimulate trade and industry while supporting wider community development.
DP World Plans Further Investment in Africa
The new service forms part of DP World’s wider investment plans for African infrastructure and logistics.
The company has announced a commitment of $6 billion to African infrastructure over five years. It has also invested in logistics facilities across the continent, including the Kigali Logistics Platform in Rwanda and the Maputo Corridor in Mozambique.
DP World reported significant improvements in Berbera’s cargo operations since it began managing the port in 2017.
Vessel productivity has increased by 450%, while container volumes have risen by 30%. General cargo throughput has increased by 90%, according to company figures.
The port handles more than 14 container vessels per month and has an annual capacity of 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs. Plans call for capacity to increase to 2 million TEUs.
DP World has also supported community initiatives, including its Solar Mamas training program, which develops skills in solar-energy technology.
Road Links Strengthen Access to Ethiopia
Road improvements have helped strengthen Berbera’s connections with Ethiopia and other inland markets.
These projects include a 250-kilometre road development initiative and the 22.5-kilometre Hargeisa Bypass. The improvements are intended to make cargo transport more efficient between the port and inland destinations.
The new maritime service, combined with road infrastructure, could expand Berbera’s role as a gateway for regional trade.
Raj said DP World was working to develop resilient and sustainable trade corridors that benefit customers, business partners and local communities.
The Jebel Ali–Berbera service gives traders another shipping option between the Gulf and the Horn of Africa. Its long-term impact will depend on demand, shipping reliability, inland transport costs and the efficiency of cross-border trade.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
Hargeisa, Somaliland
