Have you ever considered how a city's rapid rise often parallels the development of its port? Ad Dakhla serves as a prime example of this symbiotic relationship. As Western Sahara's key maritime gateway, this former sparsely populated area has transformed into a thriving fishing hub, emerging as a glittering jewel along the Atlantic coast.
PORT OVERVIEW
Dakhla Port, located in the city of Ad Dakhla in Western Sahara, operates under the international shipping codes EHVIC/EHDAK. This strategic location holds historical significance as the first permanent Spanish settlement on the West African coast, originally named Villa Cisneros. Since its establishment in 1884, the port has evolved from a modest fishing village into a vital maritime and trade center, now serving as the capital of the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region.
The new port area occupies the eastern shore of the Cisneros Peninsula, approximately 245 nautical miles south of the Canary Islands and 380 nautical miles southwest of Tan-Tan Port. Its infrastructure includes four berths - one external and three internal - connected to the city by a one-nautical-mile channel primarily handling ocean-going fishing vessels. The older port facility maintains five berths dedicated to small craft and naval vessels. Both port basins require regular dredging due to significant sedimentation issues.
Dakhla Port specializes in handling petroleum products, phosphates, and fresh/frozen fish, with an annual throughput of roughly 250,000 metric tons. Its tropical load line zone and capacity to accommodate vessels up to 100 meters long, 12 meters wide, with a 5.0-meter draft maintain its competitive edge in international trade.
Beyond maritime activities, Dakhla has developed into a crucial aviation hub linking Europe and South America, serving as a key transit point across the Atlantic.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The port's remarkable growth stems from abundant fisheries and increasing urbanization. The region has attracted numerous nomadic settlers in recent years, leading to significant population growth that has spurred expansion in port-related services and industries. With the parallel development of air transport infrastructure, Dakhla continues to strengthen its position in global trade networks as a vital West African node.
As Western Sahara's economic lifeline, Dakhla Port's unique historical development and strategic geography ensure its continued regional importance. With growing market demands, this Atlantic gateway appears poised for an even brighter future. Those interested in tracking this port's development should monitor its evolving role in transcontinental commerce.
