Saqr Port in Ras Al Khaimah is the main port of RAK Ports, and it is built around dry bulk. It moves aggregates, limestone, cement, clinker and coal, and it also has berths for breakbulk, Ro-Ro and a container terminal run by Hutchison Ports. If your cargo is heavy, bulky or tied to the construction and cement trade in the northern UAE, this is often the port to look at first.
The facts below come from RAK Ports and Ras Al Khaimah government sources. The process sections show how we book, clear and deliver cargo through Saqr Port for you.
Saqr Port Ras Al Khaimah at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | RAK Ports (Government of Ras Al Khaimah); container terminal operated by Hutchison Ports RAK |
| Port code | AEMSA (listed as Mina Saqr) |
| Established | 1977 |
| Port capacity | Over 100 million tonnes per year |
| Deep-sea volume | More than 65 million metric tonnes a year |
| Berths | 15 in total: 12 in the Inner Harbour, 3 at the Deep-Water Bulk Terminal (berths 14 to 16) |
| Inner Harbour quay length | 2.50 km |
| Inner Harbour basin depth | 12.2 m below chart datum |
| Inner Harbour max draft | 12.0 m static, up to 13.5 m using DUKC |
| Inner Harbour max vessel size | 265 m length, 46 m beam |
| Deep-Water Bulk Terminal | About 685 m quay, about 18.0 m berth depth, drafts up to 18.5 m using DUKC (subject to approval) |
| Container terminal capacity | 350,000 TEU |
| Cranes | 24 mobile harbour cranes; 3 ship-to-shore cranes at the container terminal |
| Pilotage | Compulsory, 24/7 |
| Customs | RAK Customs office at Saqr Port; 24/7 customs at the container terminal |
| Road access | Direct access to the E11 |
| Security and standards | ISPS Code compliant; ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified |
Where is Saqr Port located in Ras Al Khaimah?
Saqr Port is on the Ras Al Khaimah coast, next to RAK Maritime City free zone and close to what RAK Ports describes as the world's largest limestone quarry. RAK Ports gives the Inner Harbour position as 25° 58.40' N, 56° 03.51' E. Trucks reach the port directly from the E11.
Road distance matters when you price delivery. If your consignee is inside RAK Maritime City or the north of the emirate, landing at Saqr Port removes most of the truck leg from Dubai. For sites closer to Dubai, compare the full door cost of both ports.
RAK port shipping: which RAK Ports facility do you need?
"RAK port" can mean several RAK Ports sites. Only some take commercial cargo at scale:
| Facility | Main use | Relevance for shippers |
|---|---|---|
| Saqr Port | Bulk, general cargo, Ro-Ro, containers, oil terminal, deep-water berths | The main cargo port. Start here for bulk, breakbulk and containers. |
| RAK Maritime City | Bulk and general cargo, lay-by berths, private jetties, free zone | Next to Saqr Port. Useful for free zone storage, fabrication and barge work. |
| Ras Al Khaimah Port | Passenger, general cargo, lay-by berth | City-centre port and cruise gateway. Not a main cargo route. |
| Al Jazeera Port | Ship repair, dry dock, bulk and general cargo | Ship repair site with a dry berth area of about 50,000 m². |
| Al Jeer Port | Livestock, lay-by berth | Livestock quarantine and handling. |
| Saqr 2.0 | Project cargo, liquid bulk, general cargo (in development) | Future heavy-lift option south of Saqr Port. Not yet open. |
Saqr Port terminals: what each one handles
Saqr Port has two working areas. The one your cargo uses sets the vessel limits and loading method.
Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour is a multi-berth area for dry and liquid bulk, general cargo, project cargo, containers, Ro-Ro and breakbulk. RAK Ports lists aggregates, coal, gypsum, clay and petroleum products among its bulk cargoes. Equipment includes container gantry cranes, mobile harbour cranes, conveyors and shore pipelines.
Deep-Water Bulk Terminal (DWBT)
The DWBT takes Capesize and deep-draft bulk carriers. Its main exports are limestone, gabbro, aggregates and clinker. Its main imports are coal, furnace slag, iron ore and bauxite. The terminal sits next to the lee breakwater in open water, so it is more exposed to swell and wind than the Inner Harbour. Berthing depends on conditions and the Harbour Master's decision.
Berth-by-berth guide
| Berth | Length | Primary use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 207 m | General and breakbulk cargo |
| 2 | 180 m | Containers |
| 3 | 210 m | Containers |
| 4 | 146 m | Ro-Ro (two 30 m ramps), general and breakbulk cargo |
| 5 | 217 m | Conveyor-fed aggregate loading |
| 6, 7, 10, 11 | 180 to 222 m | Bulk by mobile harbour crane; bulk oil by shore pipeline |
| 8, 9, 12 | 160 to 225 m | Bulk by mobile harbour crane |
| 14 to 16 (DWBT) | 228 to 229 m each | Bulk loading, Capesize vessels |
One limit to note: at berth 5, the aggregate conveyor gives an air draft of 25.2 m above chart datum. Vessels with high gear or deck structures need checking against it.
Bulk commodities and markets
RAK Ports names minerals, coal, limestone, cement, clinker, bauxite, iron ore, fertilizer, fuels and bitumen as its main bulk commodities, plus breakbulk and project cargo. It describes itself as a supply chain partner to 50 quarries in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah and 19 cement and grinding plants. Its main markets are India, the Arabian Gulf, Bangladesh and Africa. For bulk planning, see our dry and liquid bulk cargo service.
Can Saqr Port take your vessel? Depths and limits
Check your ship against these RAK Ports figures before you fix it.
| Limit | Inner Harbour | Deep-Water Bulk Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Max length / beam | 265 m / 46 m | Capesize |
| Depth at berth | 12.2 m basin | About 18.0 m |
| Max draft | 12.0 m static; up to 13.5 m with DUKC | Up to 18.5 m with DUKC, subject to approval |
| Channel depth | 13 to 20 m outside the breakwater | About 18 to 25 m |
| Harbour entrance width | About 180 m | Not applicable |
| Swing basin | 550 m diameter | About 18.0 m deep turning basin |
| Quay height | +4.0 m above chart datum | +6.0 m above chart datum |
DUKC is a dynamic under-keel clearance system. It lets the port allow deeper drafts when tide and sea conditions permit, so a draft above the static limit is possible but not guaranteed. RAK Ports says vessels above these limits may be considered at the Harbour Master's discretion.
Pilotage, towage and anchorage
Pilotage is compulsory and runs 24/7. RAK Ports operates its own tugs and mooring teams around the clock. There are two general anchorage zones: Zone I for all vessel types and Zone II for barges and small craft, plus two special project anchorages. Vessels need clearance from the VTS Centre at Saqr Port before anchoring or entering the channel. Saqr Port Control works on VHF channel 16 for calling, 14 for working and 09 for pilots.
Weather and seasons
Weather affects berthing and heavy lifts, especially at the DWBT:
| Period | What to expect | Planning impact |
|---|---|---|
| November to March | Shamal winds, sustained 20 to 30 knots with gusts of 30 to 40+ knots; morning fog can cut visibility below 500 m | Allow buffer days for berthing and crane lifts |
| June to August | Summer Shamal with dust-bearing winds | Visibility can drop fast; deck work may pause |
Container shipping at Saqr Port: FCL and LCL
The container terminal at Saqr Port is run by Hutchison Ports RAK. RAK Ports and Hutchison Ports have extended the agreement for container terminal services at Saqr Port until 2037.
| Container terminal item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 350,000 TEU |
| Quay cranes | 3 ship-to-shore cranes, rated at 28 moves per hour |
| Yard | 20 hectares, with 6 rubber-tyred gantry cranes |
| Hours | Terminal and customs run 24/7 |
| Truck turnaround | 20 minutes |
| Scanning | Integrated X-ray scanning |
| Services | FCL, LCL consolidation, stuffing and destuffing, cross-stuffing, transshipment, reefer, Ro-Ro, general and project cargo |
| Lines | Direct calls by MSC and CMA; daily connections to Jebel Ali |
For FCL, check whether your line calls Saqr Port directly or discharges elsewhere in the UAE. Our Dubai freight forwarding team compares the options before you book.
How to route cargo into Saqr Port
Routes and approvals change, so we confirm the current position with the line before every booking.
| Route | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct call at Saqr Port | Main line or feeder discharges at Hutchison Ports RAK; clear with RAK Customs | Only some lines call direct |
| Jebel Ali plus feeder or truck | Discharge at Jebel Ali, then move to RAK | Adds a feeder or truck leg; price it against a direct call |
Whichever route you use, you need the delivery order from the line and a clearing agent in Ras Al Khaimah, because Hutchison Ports RAK does not clear cargo for clients.
Breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo at Saqr Port
Breakbulk at Saqr Port goes mainly over berths 1 and 4, with mobile harbour cranes on the bulk berths. Berth 4 has Ro-Ro ramps for wheeled and tracked units.
Next door, RAK Maritime City also handles bulk, breakbulk and project cargo. RAK Ports says the largest single piece handled there was 20,000 metric tonnes. Stevin Rock Harbour, at the entrance to RAK Maritime City, loads barges of about 2,000 to 25,000 tonnes with limestone and gabbro.
Saqr 2.0, the expansion south of the port next to RAK Maritime City, is built for project cargo and liquid bulk. RAK Ports says Phase 1 will add about 600 m of common-user quay. The Saqr 2.0 plan includes a 35,000 tonne heavy-lift pad, berth pockets from 14 m up to 18 m, quay load bearing of up to 15 tonnes per m² in Phase 1, and Ro-Ro drive-on capability. RAK Ports' 2026 marine guide targets Phase 1 for the end of 2027. Treat that as a plan, not a working berth, until RAK Ports confirms it is open.
For heavy pieces, we plan the lift, lashing, gear and road route before the cargo is ready. Our guide to flat rack, open top and OOG cargo covers out-of-gauge options. Our breakbulk and project cargo team handles this from booking to delivery.
Shipping dangerous goods through Saqr Port
RAK Ports requires a Dangerous Goods Entry Approval before hazardous cargo is handled. You get it in advance from the RAK Ports Safety Department, which runs 24/7, checks documents and approves only when everything is complete. RAK Ports also keeps a Dangerous Goods Approved Code of Practice and states that it handles IMDG cargo with storage, firefighting systems and segregation protocols.
| DG point | What the source says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Port entry approval | Required for hazardous cargo, obtained in advance, charged per approval (RAK Ports) | Paperwork must be done before the cargo reaches the gate |
| Breakbulk handling cost | Hazardous breakbulk carries a 50% surcharge on port handling charges (RAK Ports tariff 2026) | Budget for it when you compare ports |
| Towage | Vessels carrying IMDG hazardous goods pay a higher towage rate (RAK Ports tariff 2026) | Relevant if you charter a vessel |
| Onward trucking | DG needs strict segregation, so most moves go by dedicated container or full truckload | Expect a dedicated truck for DG delivery |
We prepare the DG declaration, check class and segregation with the line, and apply for port approval in time. See our dangerous goods shipping service for sea and air DG.
Saqr Port customs clearance and documents
RAK Customs has an office at Saqr Port, and RAK Ports lists customs and immigration on site. RAK Customs runs twelve centres across sea ports, the airport, land borders, the post office and free zones. Under Customs Notice No. 8 of 2026, three more customs centres were opened at the Saqr Port container terminal for export and re-export: South Free Zone Customs, Al Ghail Customs and North Free Zone Customs. Companies can still clear directly at Saqr Port.
You need your own clearing agent in Ras Al Khaimah, and the delivery order must come from the line before cargo leaves. Bulk stored in yards outside the port boundary must be cleared before the vessel discharges.
| Cargo type | Documents you usually need |
|---|---|
| All imports | Bill of lading or sea waybill, delivery order, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, importer code, any permits for the goods |
| Dangerous goods | Dangerous goods declaration, safety data sheet, RAK Ports DG entry approval |
| Breakbulk and project cargo | Lifting plan, cargo drawings, weight and centre of gravity per piece, lashing details |
| Exports and re-exports | Export or re-export declaration from RAK Customs, commercial invoice, packing list, booking confirmation |
Duty depends on the HS code and the goods, so we confirm the duty position and the exact document list for your cargo before shipment.
Storage and free time at Saqr Port
Storage on RAK Ports wharves and in transit sheds is at the Port Manager's discretion and depends on traffic. The RAK Ports 2026 tariff sets these free periods:
| Cargo | Free period | After free time |
|---|---|---|
| Import or export breakbulk | First 14 days | Charged per m² per day |
| Transshipment cargo | 14 days | Charged per m² per 7 days |
| Bulk discharged to temporary stock yard | First 7 days | Charged per m² per week, rising with time |
| Bulk loaded from temporary stock yard | None | Charged per yard per calendar day |
Goods normally cannot stay in port for more than 60 days, and beyond that point charges rise by 20%. Container free time is set by the terminal and your line, not by this tariff, so check it on your booking. Our guide to demurrage and detention explains how line charges add up.
For longer storage, RAK Ports lists more than 75,000 m² of warehousing across its sites, with bonded and temperature-controlled options.
How to ship through Saqr Port with us
- Send cargo details. Commodity, HS code, weight, dimensions, DG status, origin or destination and ready date.
- We check fit. We match your cargo to the right terminal, berth and vessel limits at Saqr Port.
- We pick the route. Direct call, Jebel Ali with a feeder or truck leg, breakbulk vessel or bulk charter, depending on the cargo and current approvals.
- We book space. We confirm the place of delivery with the line.
- Documents and approvals. We prepare the shipping documents and, for DG, apply for port entry approval.
- Customs clearance. We arrange the declaration with RAK Customs through a Ras Al Khaimah clearing agent and follow it through.
- Port handling. We coordinate discharge or loading, lifting for heavy pieces, storage within free time and gate-out.
- Trucking and delivery. We arrange road transport to your site or warehouse, including permits for oversized loads and dedicated trucks for DG.
Checklist before you ship
- Is the vessel within 265 m length and the draft limit of the berth?
- For berth 5, does the vessel clear the 25.2 m conveyor air draft?
- Does your line call Saqr Port directly, or do you need a feeder or truck leg?
- Do the documents show the right port of discharge and place of delivery?
- Have you appointed a clearing agent in Ras Al Khaimah?
- For DG: is the port's Dangerous Goods Entry Approval requested?
- For breakbulk: do you have piece weights, centres of gravity and lifting points?
- Have you allowed weather buffer days for November to March?
- Do you know your free time at the port and with the line?
Common mistakes
- Leaving DG approval until the cargo arrives. It must be done in advance.
- Assuming Saqr 2.0 berths are already open. Confirm status with RAK Ports before you plan on them.
- Booking to another UAE port for a Ras Al Khaimah consignee without pricing the transfer leg.
- Forgetting to tell the line to change the place of delivery to Hutchison Ports RAK before arrival.
- Expecting the terminal to clear your cargo. You need your own clearing agent.
When to choose Saqr Port over other UAE ports
| Your cargo or situation | Port to look at first |
|---|---|
| Aggregates, limestone, cement, clinker, coal or other dry bulk | Saqr Port |
| Capesize bulk carrier | Saqr Port Deep-Water Bulk Terminal |
| Consignee in Ras Al Khaimah or RAK Maritime City | Saqr Port |
| Containers needing the widest choice of deep-sea lines | Jebel Ali |
| Projects in Abu Dhabi | Khalifa Port |
| General cargo for Sharjah industrial areas | Port Khalid or Hamriyah |
| East coast delivery | Fujairah |
Compare our guides to shipping through Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah's Khalid and Hamriyah ports and Fujairah port shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Saqr Port located?
Saqr Port is on the Ras Al Khaimah coast, next to RAK Maritime City free zone. It has direct road access to the E11.
Is Mina Saqr the same as Saqr Port?
Yes. Mina Saqr is another name for Saqr Port in Ras Al Khaimah, and port directories list it under the code AEMSA.
Who runs Saqr Port and its container terminal?
Saqr Port is operated by RAK Ports, part of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. The container terminal inside the port is operated by Hutchison Ports RAK.
What cargo does Saqr Port handle?
Mainly dry bulk such as aggregates, limestone, cement, clinker, coal and iron ore. It also handles liquid bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, Ro-Ro and containers.
How deep is the water at Saqr Port?
The Inner Harbour basin is 12.2 m below chart datum, with a maximum draft of 12.0 m static or up to 13.5 m using DUKC. The Deep-Water Bulk Terminal has berths of about 18.0 m and takes drafts up to 18.5 m using DUKC, subject to approval.
Can Saqr Port handle containers?
Yes. The Hutchison Ports RAK terminal has a capacity of 350,000 TEU and offers FCL, LCL and reefer handling, with terminal and customs operations running 24/7.
Do I need approval to ship dangerous goods through Saqr Port?
Yes. RAK Ports requires a Dangerous Goods Entry Approval from its Safety Department before hazardous cargo is handled. Apply in advance with complete documents.
Is there a customs office at Saqr Port?
Yes. RAK Customs has an office at Saqr Port, and customs runs 24/7 at the container terminal. You need your own clearing agent in Ras Al Khaimah to file the declaration.
How far is Saqr Port from Jebel Ali?
RAK Ports describes the sea distance between Jebel Ali and RAK as 85 miles.
What is Saqr 2.0?
Saqr 2.0 is a port expansion south of Saqr Port for project cargo, liquid bulk and general cargo. Phase 1 plans about 600 m of common-user quay and a 35,000 tonne heavy-lift pad.
Get a freight quote for Saqr Port
Send us your cargo details and we will check the berth, vessel and route options at Saqr Port and come back with a plan. Request a freight rate for Saqr Port or talk to our team about your cargo. You can also email info@anildarya.co or call +971 50 953 2080.
Sources
- RAK Ports, Marine Information Guide, Edition 2026
- RAK Ports, Capability Statement
- RAK Ports, Port Tariff 2026
- RAK Ports, Saqr 2.0
- RAK Ports, Container Cargo Handling
- Hutchison Ports, extension agreement with RAK Ports
- Ras Al Khaimah Customs
- Seabay Logistics, Mina Saqr port code (AEMSA)
Reviewed: 9 November 2026