Al Kuwayt, Kuwait

Port Overview

Al Kuwayt, Kuwait, refers to the port area serving Kuwait City, with the Port of Shuwaikh as its primary commercial hub. Located on the southern shore of Kuwait Bay along the Persian Gulf, Shuwaikh is Kuwait’s largest and most important port, covering 320 hectares of land and 120 hectares of water. It ranks as the country’s top container port, handling approximately 750,000 TEU annually. Its strategic position makes it vital for regional trade and logistics, supporting Kuwait’s role as a gateway for imports and exports in the northern Gulf.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Al Kuwayt’s main port, Shuwaikh, features 21 berths for various cargo types, including dedicated container berths equipped with gantry cranes, reach stackers, and empty container handlers. The port has extensive open and closed storage areas, a modern container terminal with refrigerated container outlets, and customs inspection facilities. While Shuwaikh uses advanced cargo handling equipment, there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in regular operation. The port supports both import/export and transshipment activities.

Container Terminals

Kuwait’s main container terminals are at Shuwaikh, Shuaiba, and Mubarak Al Kabeer ports. Shuwaikh has 21 berths, with 3 dedicated to containers, and Shuaiba has 20 berths, with 4 for containers; both offer modern handling equipment but limited automation. Mubarak Al Kabeer is a new development with 24 berths and an 8.1 million TEU capacity, aiming for advanced automation. Major operators include Kuwait Ports Authority and Kuwait National Petroleum Company.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern facilities for FCL, LCL, and reefer containers, with advanced equipment and dedicated berths.
• Cargo operations: Bulk, general, and hazardous cargo handling, including oil, gas, and petrochemical exports.
• Ship services: Vessel berthing, repair, maintenance, cleaning, and supply support.
• Warehousing: Large storage areas, cold storage, and specialized warehouses for various cargo types.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection platforms for efficient regulatory processing.

Global Connectivity

Al Kuwayt, Kuwait’s main port region, is anchored by Shuwaikh, Shuaiba, Doha, and the emerging Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. These ports connect Kuwait to major Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. Key shipping routes link Kuwait directly to regional hubs such as Jebel Ali (UAE), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), and global markets in Europe and China. Enhanced road, rail, and logistics infrastructure further support efficient cargo movement across the region.

Port Statistics

Port: Al Kuwayt (Kuwait City)

TEU Throughput: 863,618 (2020)

World Ranking: Not in the global top 50 container ports

Number of Berths: Approximately 21 across major terminals

Area: Around 3.2 km² (main port zone)

Shipping Lines: Served by major carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and regional lines

Notes: Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, under development, is expected to significantly increase Kuwait’s container capacity by 2026.