Hargeisa (Hornpost) The Republic of Somaliland has welcomed the launch of a new direct shipping line connecting the ports of Jebel Ali in Dubai and Berbera in Somaliland, describing it as a major step that will remove previous logistical barriers facing goods and cargo arriving at Berbera Port.
The Managing Director of Somaliland Ports Authority, Ali Diriye Ahmed, told the Media that this new shipping route is part of the ongoing development of Berbera Port, which has been undergoing continuous growth and modernization in recent years.
“Berbera Port has been progressing steadily, achieving new milestones day by day. This new direct shipping route between Berbera and Jebel Ali reflects that progress. It represents the growing confidence of international maritime companies in Berbera, and it brings in new shipping services that never operated here before,” he said.
According to Mr. Ali Diiriye, the new route was established through cooperation between the Somaliland Ports Authority and DP World, the Dubai-based global ports operator.
“This initiative came about through joint efforts between our Ports Authority and DP World. After conducting several studies, we found it necessary to reduce the number of transshipments our cargo went through, as most shipments used to pass through multiple ports before reaching Berbera,” he explained.
Previously, goods shipped from Dubai to Somaliland would pass through several ports — including Jeddah and Djibouti — before finally reaching Berbera, resulting in delays and higher costs.
“To eliminate those delays, we decided to establish a direct link so that ships can sail straight from Jebel Ali to Berbera,” said Mr. Diriye.
He emphasized that the new route would bring multiple benefits:
- It will reduce shipping time by up to 60%,
- Boost the competitiveness and capacity of Berbera Port,
- Attract new traders who previously used alternative routes, and
- Enhance regional trade, particularly benefiting landlocked countries like Ethiopia.
DP World, which manages both Jebel Ali and Berbera ports, announced the new weekly service — operating every nine days — as part of its global connectivity strategy.
The company stated that the direct maritime corridor will strengthen Berbera’s position as a key gateway to East Africa and an important hub along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade route.
Hornpost staff Reporter
Hargeisa, Somaliland
