Port

A port (also called a harbour or haven) is a facility located on a coastline, river, or lake where ships can moor to load and unload cargo and passengers. Ports consist of water deep enough for ships and onshore structures used for storage, warehousing, and cargo movement.

Many ports are major centres of global commerce, since a large portion of world trade is transported by ship. They commonly serve as places where governments collect customs duties and enforce regulations on maritime entry and departure.

Types of ports

Some ports are natural harbours, where the coastline's configuration naturally provides shelter from waves. Others are constructed, with breakwaters built for protection. By function, ports may be general cargo ports, oil terminals, fishing ports, passenger and ferry terminals, or military ports.

Components of port operations

Key facilities include berths where ships dock, cranes for handling containers and breakbulk cargo, storage yards, and roads or rail for moving cargo inland. Within the port, harbour pilots guide ships through the channel, and tugboats assist in docking.

Management and economics

Ports are typically owned by government or a port authority, though container terminal operations may be run by private companies under long-term concession agreements. Revenue comes from docking, storage, and cargo handling services. Port capacity is commonly measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per year and in total cargo throughput, with the depth of the channel determining the maximum size of ships that can enter.

Somalia

Somalia has an extensive coastline along the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, with major commercial ports including Mogadishu, Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, served by smaller local facilities. These ports are among the principal gateways for cargo shipments and livestock export.