Ashdod, Israel

Port Overview

Ashdod is located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, about 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv. As Israel’s largest port and one of the busiest in the Eastern Mediterranean, it handles around 1.5 to 1.6 million TEU annually. Strategically positioned near major commercial centers and national transport networks, Ashdod is vital for Israel’s trade, managing approximately 60% of the country’s imported goods. Its modern infrastructure and high reliability have made it a key gateway for international shipping and logistics in the region.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Ashdod Port features advanced container, bulk, and vehicle terminals, handling Israel’s highest annual container volume. Key facilities include specialized terminals for containers, vehicles, and general cargo, equipped with modern ship-to-shore cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and digital twin technology for efficient operations. The port also uses AI-powered systems for vehicle processing and IoT-enabled equipment to streamline cargo handling and maintenance, supporting high throughput and operational innovation.

Container Terminals

Ashdod Port features two main container terminals with a total of at least six berths, including the new Hadarom Container Terminal. The port’s annual container capacity exceeds 3.2 million TEU, with Hadarom alone handling about 1.7 million TEU. Hadarom is semi-automated, utilizing advanced gate, yard, and crane automation. Major operators include Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) for Hadarom and the Israel Ports Company for the legacy terminals.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminals for efficient loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Handling of general, bulk, and specialized cargo, including vehicles and project cargo.
• Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, towage, bunkering, and waste management for vessels.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types, including bonded warehouses.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services to facilitate import and export processes.

Global Connectivity

The Port of Ashdod serves as Israel's largest container port, handling over 1.5 million TEU annually. Located 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, it maintains regular connections to major global markets through multiple carriers including MSC, ZIM, Maersk, and Yang Ming. The port provides 2-4 weekly departures on major routes, connecting Israel to Mediterranean, European, and Asian markets. Ashdod ranks 79th globally in port connectivity, serving as a critical gateway for Israel's international trade and functioning as the primary maritime hub for the country's import-export activities across multiple continents.

Port Statistics

Ashdod Port, Israel – Key Statistics

TEU Throughput:
Ashdod handled approximately 1,848,000 TEUs in 2024, marking a 15.7% increase from the previous year. In the first half of 2025, container throughput reached 361,000 TEUs, maintaining a local market share above 40%.

World Ranking:
Ashdod returned to the global Top 100 container ports in 2024 for the first time since 2017.

Number of Berths:
The port features multiple deep-water berths, including the upgraded Platform 21, which can accommodate megaships up to 400 meters.

Area:
Exact port area is not specified in available data, but Ashdod is a major, continuously expanding facility on Israel’s Mediterranean coast.

Shipping Lines:
Ashdod serves a wide range of international shipping lines, though specific names are not detailed in recent reports. The port is a critical hub for both container and bulk cargo, as well as a growing destination for cruise traffic, with several cruise operators including it in their itineraries.

Additional Notes:
Ashdod is investing heavily in infrastructure and technology, supports humanitarian shipments to Gaza, and has shown strong financial and operational resilience despite regional challenges.