Port of Berbera

The controlling depth at Berbera is 8.08 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 Berbera is supported by 2 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Tamara Lighthouse at 0.8 NM to the WNW. Other aids include Berbera (1.6 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Berbera is situated on the Gulf of Aden in SO. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.

You can track vessels near Berbera (SOBBO) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for SOBBO on the live map.

The Port of Berbera is a port in SO. Its UN/LOCODE is SOBBO — 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, SO, are the ISO country code for SO. 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 Berbera 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.

BERBERA (UN/Locode: SOBBO), Somalia is a seaport located at approximately 10.43962° N, 44.99451° E.

Coordinates: 10.43962° N, 44.99451° E.

Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Small. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading and anchorage loading/offloading. Depths: channel depth 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 17.1m - 18.2m; cargo pier depth 7.1m - 9.1m; oil terminal depth 7.1m - 9.1m and maximum draft approx. 8.08 m.

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

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

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.