Port Sudan : Profile

Location

This is Sudan's principal port and was built in 1905 on the grid system. Although some streets have names, many do not. As the names are only in Arabic and as local taxi drivers are often illiterate, or do not speak any foreign language, the services of a local agent are indispensible.

Furthermore, whenever dealing with one of the government departments, it is expected an agent to be used and the authorities simply refuse to deal with visitors direct.

Position 19° 36.6'N,37° 13.3'E.

Clearance

Call port control on Channel 16 or 14 before entering the port. Boats are normally directed to the anchorage in the NW part of the harbour. Everyone should remain on board until cleared by quarantine. The boat is usually visited by a local agent and all formalities are expected to be completed with his help.

Agency fees tend to be quite high so it is best is these are agreed in advance. The agent will also call Customs and Port police. These will seal all alcoholic drinks and radio equipment on board. The agent will then arrange shore passes, for which a passport size photograph is required. The passports must then be left with Immigration, which usually holds them until the following day. The ship's papers are held by the Port Office until port dues are paid, in US dollars cash, on departure.

Highly recommended as an agent is Captain Abdul Halim, a licensed Merchant Navy captain who speaks fluent English. He can be contacted at P.O.Box 125, Port Sudan. Captain Halim is the best person to consult if fuel, water or any repairs are needed. He is also knowledgeable about the best diving spots in the area having worked with both Cousteau and Haas.

There are several other agents offering their services.

On departure, one must clear with the port office, then pay the port dues at the Port Corporation in East Town. Next one has to clear customs, and return to the port office to get back the ship's papers.

The fees here are quite high.

Last updated April 2010.

Redsea Enterprise (Agent)
halim@redseaenterprise
Contact Captain Abdul Halim via Port Control.

Docking

It is possible to stay in Port Sudan for one night for free as long as you do not get off the boat, otherwise you have to clear in again using an agent.

Facilities for yachts are virtually nonexistent. Visiting boats anchor in the northwest part of the port, close to a dinghy jetty, where there is a shack sometimes manned by security police.

Last updated April 2010.

Redsea Enterprise (Agent) [see above]

Visiting Sudan (17 Feb 2011)

Thailand to the Med - 2009 (29 Jul 2009)

Cruising Notes on Sudan (30 Dec 2008)

Croatia to Thailand - Tips from our Delivery Trip (03 Oct 2008)

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Cruising Tips (25 Jul 2008)

Southerly Red Sea Passage (01 Jun 2008)

Eastwards Across the Andaman Sea (14 May 2008)

Thailand to Turkey 2007 Part Two – Massawa in Eritrea to Turkey (19 Nov 2007)

Notes from Southbound Red Sea transit September 2005 (23 Mar 2007)

Suakin vs Port Sudan, Sudan: Clearance procedures and Agents (28 Apr 2006)