KUWAIT

• KWKWI
• Latitude: 29.3663
• Longitude: 48.0017
• Arabian Gulf
• Port in Kuwait

Location: Shuwaikh Industrial Capital Governorate Kuwait

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Shuwaikh Port, Kuwait

General Overview

Port Name: Shuwaikh Port
Location:

• Latitude: 29.3570° N
• Longitude: 47.9297° E
• Country: Kuwait

Governing Body: Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA)

Shuwaikh Port, also commonly referred to as Kuwait Port, is the primary commercial seaport serving Kuwait. It is located in the capital city, Kuwait City, on Kuwait Bay of the Arabian Gulf, making it a strategic gateway for maritime trade.

Port Specifications

Berth Information:

• Total Berths: 21
  • General Cargo Berths: 14
  • Container Berths: 4
  • Ro-Ro Berths: 2
  • Special Cargo Berth: 1

Channel Depth:

• Approach Channel Depth: 8.5 meters (27.9 feet)
• Maximum Draft: 9.6 meters (31.5 feet)

Total Quay Length:

• Approximately 4,055 meters

Storage Facilities:

• Open Storage: Roughly 450,000 square meters
• Covered Storage: Roughly 170,000 square meters

Container Facilities:

• Container Yard area: Approximately 260,000 square meters
• Container Stacking Capacity: Up to 15,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)

Equipment:

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes: Available for container handling
• Mobile Cranes: Available for general cargo handling
• Forklifts: Various sizes to handle different cargo types

Cargo Handling Capacity:

• Annual Throughput: Around 600,000 TEUs for containerized cargo
• General Cargo Volume: Varies based on demand and economic activity

Port Services:

• Stevedoring: Provided by both private entities and KPA
• Pilotage and Towing: Mandatory and available service for vessel navigation
• Marine Services: Available for maintenance and minor repairs
• Customs and Security: In compliance with international standards; advanced scanning and inspection facilities

Additional Facilities:

• Bunkering Services: Available
• Fresh Water Supply: Available
• Ship Chandlery: Available for provisioning
• Environmental Protection Equipment: Oil spill response and waste management services available

Strategic Importance

Shuwaikh Port serves as Kuwait's main maritime gateway for commercial trade. It handles a significant volume of the country’s imports and exports, including crucial sectors like oil-related equipment, consumer goods, foodstuffs, and construction materials.

Future Developments

There are ongoing expansion and modernization plans to improve infrastructure, increase port efficiency, and handle larger volumes of cargo. These plans include deeper dredging for higher draft vessels, the addition of more advanced handling equipment, and the expansion of the storage area.

Conclusion

Shuwaikh Port is a crucial hub for Kuwait's maritime trade, providing comprehensive facilities for a diverse array of cargo. Governed by the Kuwait Ports Authority, it ensures smooth operational procedures, robust storage capabilities, and state-of-the-art cargo handling, contributing significantly to Kuwait’s economic activities.