HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – The United Arab Emirates’ global logistics company DP World has launched a new direct shipping route linking Jebel Ali Port in Dubai with Berbera Port in Somaliland, further strengthening trade ties between the Middle East and East Africa.
In a statement on Wednesday, DP World said the new service, operating every nine days, will expand its global maritime network and reinforce Berbera’s role as a key logistics and transshipment hub in the Horn of Africa.
“The new service, operating every nine days, enhances DP World’s global network and reinforces Berbera’s position as a key maritime gateway and logistics hub in East Africa,” the company said.
Although Somaliland remains internationally unrecognised, the UAE continues to maintain close political and economic cooperation with the territory.
DP World first signed an agreement in 2017 to manage and develop the Berbera Port — Somaliland’s main maritime gateway.
Since then, the port has undergone a dramatic transformation.
According to the company, vessel productivity has increased by 450%, container volumes have grown by 30%, and general cargo throughput has risen by 90%.
The port’s global ranking has also improved significantly. According to the World Bank, Berbera’s position in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) rose from 245th in 2020 to 103rd in 2024.
Meanwhile, Business Insider Africa ranked Berbera among the top 10 ports in Africa in May 2024 — outperforming both Mogadishu and Djibouti in operational efficiency.
Berbera Port’s upgraded infrastructure includes a 1,050-metre quay, with a 400-metre berth capable of handling Triple-E class vessels, along with extensive bulk and breakbulk handling facilities.
It also boasts an annual livestock handling capacity of about four million heads, a state-of-the-art container terminal, and the Berbera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) — designed to attract foreign investment and promote long-term industrial development.
Ganesh Raj, Group Chief Operating Officer for Marine Services at DP World, said the new route complements the company’s ongoing investments across Africa.
“The Jebel Ali to Berbera service further complements DP World’s investment drive into Africa,” Raj said.
“Building on the significant infrastructure we have developed across the continent, the service enhances connectivity for our customers as we continue to strengthen trade links between the Middle East and East Africa. In doing so, we are supporting the growth of resilient, sustainable trade corridors that unlock prosperity for our partners, customers, and the communities we serve.”