Kuwait - ميناء الشويخ
Situated at the heart of Kuwait City, within the Shuwaikh Industrial Area, Shuwaikh Port is recognized as Kuwait’s principal commercial port. Spanning an area of 4.4 million square meters with a basin of 1.2 million square meters, this port is strategically located on the southern shores of Kuwait Bay off the Persian Gulf. The port’s geographical coordinates place it at Latitude 29° 21′ North and Longitude 47° 56′ East.
Infrastructure and Accessibility at Shuwaikh Port
Shuwaikh Port has a robust infrastructure, boasting 21 berths of varying depths to accommodate a diverse range of vessels. In total, the berths stretch to a length of 4055 meters- 14 berths have a depth of 10 meters, four have a depth of 8.5 meters, and three are 6.7 meters deep. The port can receive vessels with a draft of 7.5 meters at any tide condition and vessels with a 9.5-meter draft at high tide.
Vessel traffic to and from the port navigates through an 8-kilometer long channel dredged inside Kuwait Bay. The channel has a depth of 8.5 meters at the lowest tide. However, during rush hours, truck entry is restricted within the city, limiting port access to non-peak hours. The port’s location within the ‘banned area’ affects both light and heavy trucks and tractors. This limitation is expected to increase due to upcoming road development projects in Kuwait City.
Operations and Future Developments at Shuwaikh Port
Managed and operated by the Kuwait Ports Authority, Shuwaikh Port is equipped to serve ocean-going vessels at its deep-water berths and has modern container facilities. The port handles more than 500,000 containers annually and also functions as a passenger terminal.
The Shuwaikh container terminal, which covers an area of 260 thousand square meters, is outfitted with electrical outlets for receiving refrigerated containers. This advanced electrical system assures the safety and preservation of refrigerated foodstuff. Berths No. 10, 13, and 13 are set aside for container handling and are each equipped with two gantries, nine reach stackers, and four empty containers handlers. Additionally, customs and security control processes are conducted at the customs inspection center where containers can be examined.
Furthermore, a new deep-sea Bobyan Naval Port, also known as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, has commenced construction at Bobyan Island in the northeast of Kuwait. This development is part of a larger, long-term project that includes additional infrastructure developments aimed at linking the new port with Kuwait City and other regional cities.
In conclusion, Shuwaikh Port continues to play a vital role in Kuwait’s commercial and economic activities, providing a platform for the efficient movement of goods and passengers. Despite its challenges, the port’s strategic location and well-equipped facilities make it a key player in the region’s maritime industry. Future development plans promise to further enhance its operational capacity and connectivity.