Port of Assab

The controlling depth at Assab is 10.36 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.

The approach to Assab is supported by 4 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Ra'S Gombo Lighthouse at 1.7 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Ra'S Fatuma (8.2 NM ENE), Balfe Point (42.9 NM ESE), Perim HigH (45.3 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Assab is located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — the strategic passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.

You can track vessels near Assab (ERASA) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course.

The Port of Assab is a port in ER. Its UN/LOCODE is ERASA — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

The first two characters, ER, are the ISO country code for ER. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

The Port of Assab operates in the UTC+3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.

ASSAB (UN/Locode: ERASA), Eritrea is a seaport located at approximately 12.99545° N, 42.74120° E.

Coordinates: 12.99545° N, 42.74120° E. Nearby terminals/ports:MOKHA — UN/Locode: YEMOK — 13.32148° N, 43.23532° EPERIM ISLAND — UN/Locode: YEPRM — 12.65000° N, 43.42000° E

Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts and 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, Mediterranean mooring and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 17.1m - 18.2m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 11m - 12.2m and maximum draft approx. 10.36 m.

Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.

Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier.