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Security - 1 July 2026

Port Sudan Records Strong June Performance Amid War-Time Economic Pressure

By Amina Kabasele2 min readFrançais

PORT SUDAN, July 1, 2026 - Port Sudan’s Southern Port recorded significant activity in June, handling more than 26,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and receiving 30 vessels, as the country’s main maritime gateway continues to support trade during the ongoing conflict. The container terminal welcomed 15 container ships and 15 other vessels during the month, reflecting continued efforts to maintain the flow of imports and exports despite economic and logistical challenges caused by the war. According to port authorities, imported containers reached 8,157 units, equivalent to 13,615 TEUs, representing slightly more than half of the total monthly traffic. Export activity accounted for 7,436 containers, including loaded and empty units, representing 12,404 TEUs. Overall, the port handled 15,593 containers during June, corresponding to 26,019 TEUs, as operators worked to improve efficiency and strengthen Sudan’s international trade connections. The performance comes amid recent operational improvements at Port Sudan, including the arrival of larger container vessels and the resumption of transhipment services aimed at expanding cargo storage and regional redistribution operations. The port remains a critical economic lifeline for Sudan, providing the country with access to global markets and supporting the movement of essential goods during a period of severe economic disruption. Despite recent progress, authorities acknowledge that the facility still faces structural limitations, including the need for expanded storage capacity and deeper berths to accommodate larger vessels and compete with international maritime hubs. Port Sudan currently operates with limited berth capacity and storage space compared with global standards, creating pressure for future investment and infrastructure expansion.

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