Mina Sulman, Bahrain
Mina Salman is Bahrain’s historic main port and customs gateway, vital for general cargo and container trade.
Port Overview
Mina Sulman, also known as Mina Salman Port, is located in Manama, Bahrain, on the northeast coast near the capital. Covering 80 hectares with 15 berths, it is Bahrain’s main commercial port and primary customs gateway. Strategically positioned on the Maritime Silk Road, it serves as a key regional trade hub and hosts a permanent UK Royal Navy base. The port handles over 2,39,700 TEU annually and manages more than 2.5 million tonnes of cargo, playing a vital role in Bahrain’s import and export activities.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Mina Salman Port in Bahrain features a container terminal with 15 berths, handling over 2.5 million tonnes annually. The port includes an 800-meter dock with 10 berths for general cargo and three additional berths for bulk cargo. It offers cold storage and reefer connections but lacks advanced equipment like gantry cranes and AGVs, which are more prominent at the newer Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Container Terminals
Mina Sulman (Mina Salman) in Bahrain features 15 container berths with a total annual cargo handling capacity of approximately 2.5 million tonnes. The port operates at a conventional automation level, with limited advanced automation compared to newer regional ports. Major operations are managed by APM Terminals Bahrain. While Mina Salman was historically Bahrain’s main container terminal, most container operations have shifted to the newer Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with berths and storage yards for containerized cargo.
- Cargo operations: Handles general cargo, breakbulk, military, government, and auxiliary shipments.
- Ship services: Provides berthing, naval logistics, and support for both military and civilian vessels.
- Warehousing: Offers extensive open and covered storage areas, including cold storage and reefer connections.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance facilities for efficient import and export processing.
Global Connectivity
Mina Salman Port in Bahrain is a key regional gateway, primarily serving the Arabian Gulf, Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and the Red Sea. It is integrated into the Maritime Silk Road, linking Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. The port connects with major regional ports such as Dammam, Jebel Ali, and Mumbai, supporting regular shipping routes to global markets in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its strategic location enables efficient access to Saudi Arabia and wider Middle Eastern trade corridors.
Port Statistics
Mina Salman Port, Bahrain – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Not a major container hub; handles general cargo with annual capacity of approximately 2.5 million tonnes.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports.
- Number of Berths: 15 container berths.
- Area: 80 hectares.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major lines including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, APL, and Hanjin.
