Mina Salman Port Bahrain – A Snapshot

Mina Salman Port is located in Manama, Bahrain and is another primary cargo port and the primary customs point in the country.

Here are some key facts about it:

• Established: The port was officially founded in 1962, though the natural harbor had been in use for centuries.
• Size & Capacity: It spans 80 hectares and has 15 container berths, handling approximately 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.
• Historical Significance: The site has been mentioned in Islamic texts dating back to 1345 AD. It was occupied by the Portuguese in 1521, then taken over by the Persians in 1602, before coming under the rule of the Al Khalifa dynasty in 1783.
• Expansion & Development: The port underwent major expansions in the 1970s and 1980s, including the opening of the Mina Salman Container Terminal in 1979.
• Strategic Importance: It is part of the Maritime Silk Road, connecting trade routes from China through the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and into Europe.
• Royal Navy Base: In 2014, the UK signed an agreement to establish a permanent Royal Navy base at Mina Salman, known as HMS Jufair, which officially opened in 2018.

Cargo At Mina Salman Port

Mina Salman Port primarily handles containerized cargo, which makes up about 80% of its total throughput. The most commonly processed goods passing through the port include :

• Petroleum products

Bahrain’s economy is heavily reliant on oil refining and exports. Oil exports remain a major revenue source, contributing significantly to Bahrain’s GDP. The refining industry also supports employment and infrastructure development.

• Aluminium goods

Bahrain is home to one of the largest aluminum smelters in the world, Alba, which drives industrial growth and exports. The aluminium sector contributes to manufacturing and trade, exporting processed aluminium products.

• Construction materials

Cement, steel, and other building supplies are frequently imported and exported. The import of cement, steel, and other materials fuels Bahrain’s real estate and infrastructure projects, supporting urban expansion and economic diversification.

• General cargo

The port processes around 4.7 million tonnes of general cargo annually. The logistics sector contributes around 7.4% to Bahrain’s real GDP, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, such as the Bahrain Logistics Zone, enhancing trade efficiency.

• Food imports

Bahrain relies on imports for most of its food supply, including grains, fruits, and meat. Since Bahrain relies heavily on imported food, efficient logistics at Mina Salman ensure stable supply chains, impacting inflation and consumer prices.

We hope you enjoyed this brief snapshot of the port. For all your underwater vessel maintenance enquiries at Mina Salman Port, contact us via info@portofcallconsulting.com