Khor Fakkan port shipping runs through Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT), the deep-water container terminal on Sharjah's east coast, operated by Gulftainer. The terminal has a 1,880 m quay with 6 berths, a 16 m draft and a stated capacity of 5 million TEU, and it handles imports, exports, transshipment, breakbulk and project cargo. This guide covers the terminal, its cargo rules and storage terms, customs at Khorfakkan and how we move cargo through it from Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
Khorfakkan Container Terminal at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terminal operator | Gulftainer Company Limited |
| Port authority | Sharjah Port Authority, under the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority |
| Customs | Sharjah Customs, Khorfakkan Customs Centre |
| UN/LOCODE | AEKLF |
| Location | Khor Fakkan, Sharjah's east-coast enclave, on the Gulf of Oman |
| Quay and berths | 1,880 m, 6 berths |
| Draft at berth | 16 m |
| Approach channel | 700 m wide, 16 m deep; turning basin 700 m |
| Site and yard | 70 ha site, 450,000 sq m container yard, 50,000 TEU yard capacity |
| Annual capacity | 5 million TEU containers; 1 million tonnes bulk |
| Quay cranes | 18 (8 post-Panamax, 10 super post-Panamax) |
| Yard equipment | 28 rubber-tyred gantries, 4 reach stackers of 45 t, 63 terminal tractors |
| Reefer plugs | 623 |
| Warehouse | 3,000 sq m |
| Hours | 24 hours, every day; gate shifts 06:00 to 22:00 Sunday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00 Saturday |
| Nearest airport | Fujairah International, about 27 km |
What is Khor Fakkan port and how is it different from Sharjah port?
Sharjah has three ports. Port Khalid and Hamriyah are on the west coast. Khor Fakkan is on the east coast, in a natural bay facing the Gulf of Oman, with the Sharjah to Khor Fakkan highway linking it to the rest of the emirate. Gulftainer runs both the Sharjah Container Terminal at Port Khalid and the Khorfakkan Container Terminal, but they are separate terminals with separate customs centres.
The main differences for a shipper:
| Point | Khorfakkan Container Terminal | Port Khalid (Sharjah) |
|---|---|---|
| Coast | East coast, Gulf of Oman | West coast, Sharjah city |
| Draft at berth | 16 m | Shallower; suits feeder and regional ships (see our Sharjah guide) |
| Typical role | Mainline calls, transshipment, gateway imports | Feeder and regional services, local cargo |
| Customs centre | Khorfakkan Customs Centre | Port Khalid Customs Centre |
For Port Khalid and Hamriyah in detail, see our Sharjah port shipping guide.
Terminal facilities at Khorfakkan
Gulftainer dates KCT's operations to 1986. A 2005 expansion added 800 m of quay at 16 m draft and took capacity to 5 million TEU. The terminal handled a 16,000 TEU ship in 2012 and a 20,600 TEU ship in 2018, so ultra-large container vessels can call.
Marine data
- Pilot boarding to berth: 4 nautical miles.
- Tidal range: 2.5 m.
- Under-keel clearance: vessel draft plus 10%.
- Carriers must give the terminal 72 hours notice of arrival, then confirm at 48 and 24 hours.
Equipment and productivity
The current Gulftainer brochure lists 18 gantry cranes (14 Liebherr and 4 ZPMC), 28 RTGs, 7 empty handlers, 6 forklifts from 2 t to 15 t and one top loader. It quotes 29 gross moves per hour and says its quay cranes and in-house lifting gear can take up to 95 gross tons, with separate solutions for heavier lifts.
Services at the terminal
- Direct link to the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD)
- LCL handling through the container freight station
- Customs clearance and EDI
- Weighbridge and VGM weighing
- Container maintenance and repair
- Inland transport
- Breakbulk handling and storage
Container shipping through Khor Fakkan port: FCL, LCL and reefer
Gulftainer says KCT connects UAE shippers to the world through both direct and feeder services, and that it is a transshipment hub for the Indian subcontinent, East Africa and the Gulf. In practice, your carrier decides whether your box discharges at Khor Fakkan, so we check the port of discharge on every booking.
Imports
Gulftainer claims containers imported through KCT reach the consignee's warehouse at least 4 to 5 days earlier than through other UAE terminals. Whether that holds for you depends on your carrier's rotation and where your warehouse is, because the box still needs the road leg across the emirates.
Gulftainer's import advisory GT/26/014 (6 March 2026) sets out three ways to take cargo out of KCT:
- Local clearance at KCT, then delivery by truck.
- A bonded off-dock movement, with customs clearance at another facility.
- Bonded corridor cargo, which leaves the terminal under customs bond.
The advisory lists the documents for customs processing: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin where it applies, delivery order and bill of lading.
[AMIR-FACT: our usual road transit time and trucking arrangement from Khorfakkan Container Terminal to Dubai or Jebel Ali for a cleared FCL, and which carriers we most often see discharging UAE cargo at KCT]
Exports
The terminal's FAQ sets the export rules:
- The shipping line issues an acceptance letter with container and cargo details.
- The export declaration is filed before the vessel arrives.
- Every full export container is weighed at the terminal under the IMO VGM rules.
- Empty pick-ups need a separate release message, and the driver shows the release letter at the counter.
LCL and reefer
KCT has its own container freight station for LCL. Under the published tariff, all CFS and LCL activity carries a minimum charge per bill of entry, and DG cargo in the CFS is charged 50% extra. For chilled and frozen cargo, 623 reefer plugs and reefer monitoring are available. Our guide to FCL vs LCL helps you choose between the two.
Breakbulk, bulk and project cargo at Khor Fakkan
KCT is a multipurpose terminal as well as a container terminal. Gulftainer lists unfinished and finished steel products, aggregates, Ro-Ro units, palletised cargo and wood products for import, export and transshipment, with a bulk capacity of 1 million tonnes a year. Non-containerised cargo is priced on a separate schedule by commodity, vessel type and handling needs, so every breakbulk move needs its own quote from the terminal.
| Cargo | How KCT handles it | What we need from you |
|---|---|---|
| Steel coils, plates, beams | Breakbulk discharge and open storage | Piece list with weights and marks |
| Aggregates and dry bulk | Bulk handling, up to 1 million tonnes a year in total | Tonnage, vessel size, discharge rate |
| Machinery up to 95 gross tons | Terminal cranes and in-house lifting gear | Drawings, lifting points, centre of gravity |
| Lifts above 95 gross tons | Special solution, quoted by the terminal | Full lift data before booking |
| Vehicles and rolling units | Ro-Ro handling | Unit list, keys, dimensions |
Gulftainer says it gives a quote within 24 hours of a heavy-lift or project cargo enquiry from the shipping line, and builds a method statement for each lift from the surveyor's reports. We prepare the cargo data and plan the inland move; see our breakbulk shipping service.
Can you ship dangerous goods through Khor Fakkan?
Yes, within Gulftainer's IMCO restrictions, which are the same at KCT and Port Khalid. In short: Class 1 and Class 7 need government permission and direct delivery; gas lighters (UN 1057) and safety matches (UN 1944) must be direct delivery in summer and otherwise cleared within 48 hours; calcium hypochlorite is accepted only in temperature-controlled containers with prior permission; and hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) needs the highest packaging standard. The full class table is in our Sharjah guide.
What is specific to KCT's published tariff:
- Every DG container, of any class, pays 50% on top of the normal handling and storage charges.
- If a container is both out-of-gauge and IMCO, the 50% is added to the OOG rate.
- Missing, wrong or incomplete placards, or any IMDG Code breach, can bring a fine of AED 2,400 per container set by the Authority.
- Undeclared, poorly stowed or badly packed DG can also be fined.
So for DG through Khor Fakkan, plan direct delivery or same-day clearance, and check placards before the box leaves origin. See our dangerous goods shipping service.
Storage and free time at Khorfakkan Container Terminal
Gulftainer's standard tariff for KCT (effective 1 June 2026) sets these storage terms:
| Container | When storage starts | Charge slabs |
|---|---|---|
| Import full | Day of discharge, until the box leaves the terminal (also for boxes moved under bond and released elsewhere) | Days 1 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 onwards |
| Export full | Day received at the terminal, or day of stuffing if stuffed inside | Days 1 to 10, 11 to 30, then higher |
| Empty | Day received, or day stripped inside the terminal | One daily rate from day 1 |
| Reefer monitoring | Day of discharge for imports; day received for exports | Daily rate, higher for DG reefers |
Other rules worth knowing:
- Overweight or misdeclared cargo units are rejected, with a fine of AED 1,300 per unit.
- Non-perishable cargo unclaimed for more than 90 days, or perishable cargo for more than 60 days, can be moved to bonded storage without notice.
- Gate deliveries between 22:00 and 06:00, and at weekends and on public holidays, carry overtime charges.
Carrier free time and detention are separate from terminal storage. Our guide to demurrage and detention explains both.
Customs clearance at Khor Fakkan
Cargo landed at KCT clears through the Khorfakkan Customs Centre of Sharjah Customs. Its inspection section runs 24 hours a day, while other sections work Monday to Thursday, 07:30 to 15:30. The centre mainly clears containers and also handles general cargo.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Customs duty | 5% of CIF value on goods imported from abroad (alcohol 50%, cigarettes 100%) |
| Transit to GCC | Sharjah Customs excludes goods in transit to GCC countries from the 5% duty |
| Core documents | Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin where applicable, delivery order, bill of lading |
| Clearance options | Local clearance at KCT, bonded off-dock move, or bonded corridor |
Deposits, landed cost and the full Sharjah document set are in our Sharjah port guide, so we keep this to what changes at Khor Fakkan.
K-Flow and logistics around the terminal
Gulftainer runs K-Flow, a 50 ha bonded logistics facility inside the Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal. It offers warehousing and cold storage, distribution, a container freight station, transloading, labelling and repackaging, consolidation and inventory management.
This matters if you want to hold stock under bond near the port, break down containers for several buyers, or relabel goods before they enter the UAE market. The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has also announced a longer-term plan to grow Khorfakkan to 10 million containers a year, though no timeline has been given.
How to ship through Khor Fakkan port with us: step by step
- Send us the cargo details: commodity, HS code, weight, dimensions, Incoterm and delivery or pickup address.
- We check which carriers discharge or load at AEKLF for your lane, and whether Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali or Port Khalid gives the better door-to-door result.
- For DG, out-of-gauge or breakbulk, we prepare the DG data or lift drawings and get carrier and terminal acceptance.
- For imports, we choose local clearance at KCT or a bonded move, and line up the documents before the vessel arrives.
- We arrange the truck to or from the terminal and book gate times inside the normal shifts where possible.
- For exports, we file the export declaration before the vessel arrives and make sure the box is weighed for VGM at the gate.
- We track storage from the day of discharge so the box leaves before the higher slabs start.
If you are based in Dubai and unsure which port fits, our Dubai freight forwarding team can price the options side by side.
Checklist before you ship through Khor Fakkan
- Confirm the port of discharge or loading on the booking is AEKLF.
- Decide on local clearance or a bonded move before arrival.
- Have the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, B/L and delivery order ready.
- For DG, check placards and plan direct delivery or clearance within 48 hours where the class needs it.
- For exports, file the declaration early and expect VGM weighing at the gate.
- For lifts over 95 gross tons, ask for the terminal's special solution before booking.
- Book the truck early; deliveries outside normal shifts cost overtime.
Common mistakes with Khor Fakkan shipments
- Assuming Khor Fakkan and Port Khalid share one customs centre.
- Counting free days without checking that import storage runs from the day of discharge.
- Letting a DG box wait in the yard and paying the 50% storage uplift.
- Arriving with wrong or missing IMO placards.
- Booking a truck at night or on Saturday without allowing for gate overtime.
- Comparing ocean freight only, without the road leg to your warehouse.
Khor Fakkan or another UAE port: when to choose which
| Your situation | Port to consider |
|---|---|
| Cargo on a mainline vessel that calls the east coast | Khor Fakkan |
| Bonded storage or relabelling near the port | Khor Fakkan (K-Flow) |
| Feeder cargo for Sharjah city or the northern emirates | Port Khalid, Sharjah |
| Widest choice of services and Jafza delivery | Jebel Ali |
| Breakbulk or bulk on the east coast near Fujairah | Fujairah or Khor Fakkan |
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the container terminal at Khor Fakkan?
Gulftainer Company Limited operates Khorfakkan Container Terminal. The Sharjah Port Authority provides marine services, and Sharjah Customs clears the cargo.
What is the port code for Khor Fakkan?
The UN/LOCODE for Khor Fakkan is AEKLF. Check it on your booking and bill of lading.
How deep is the water at Khor Fakkan port?
The terminal gives a 16 m maximum draft at berth and a 16 m deep, 700 m wide approach channel. It has handled container ships of 20,600 TEU.
Is Khor Fakkan the same as Sharjah port?
Khor Fakkan is one of Sharjah's three ports, on the east coast. Port Khalid and Hamriyah are on the west coast, and each port has its own customs centre.
Can Khor Fakkan handle breakbulk and project cargo?
Yes. KCT handles steel, aggregates, Ro-Ro, palletised and wood cargo, with in-house lifting up to 95 gross tons and special solutions for heavier pieces.
Can I ship dangerous goods through Khor Fakkan?
Yes, within Gulftainer's IMCO rules. Class 1 and Class 7 need government permission and direct delivery, and all DG containers pay 50% extra on handling and storage.
When does container storage start at Khorfakkan Container Terminal?
For imports, storage counts from the day the box is discharged until it leaves the terminal. For exports, it counts from the day the box is received.
Does Khor Fakkan have LCL facilities?
Yes. KCT has its own container freight station for LCL stuffing and stripping, and the K-Flow bonded facility also offers CFS and consolidation.
What customs duty applies to imports through Khor Fakkan?
Sharjah Customs charges 5% of the CIF value on most goods from abroad, with 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes. Goods in transit to GCC countries are excluded.
Get a quote for Khor Fakkan port shipping
Send us your cargo details and we will compare Khor Fakkan with the other UAE ports for your lane. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team for DG, breakbulk or bonded moves.
Sources
- Gulftainer: Khorfakkan Container Terminal (marine data, hours, services, IMCO restrictions, FAQs)
- Gulftainer: Khorfakkan Container Terminal brochure (January 2026: equipment, reefer plugs, yard, bulk capacity, timeline)
- Gulftainer: KCT standard tariff, effective 1 June 2026 (storage terms, DG surcharge, fines, unclaimed cargo)
- Gulftainer: Customer advisory GT/26/014, Khorfakkan import process (March 2026)
- Gulftainer: K-Flow integrated logistics facility flyer
- Sharjah Customs: Khorfakkan Customs Centre
- UAE Government portal: Customs duty (Sharjah Customs, GCC transit)
- Gulf News: Khorfakkan Port capacity expansion plan (August 2026)
- Wikipedia: Khor Fakkan (location, Sharjah's three ports, highway)
- Fluent Cargo: Khor Fakkan AEKLF (UN/LOCODE, airport distance)
Reviewed: 10 November 2026