Sharjah port shipping runs mainly through Port Khalid in Sharjah city, where Gulftainer operates the Sharjah Container Terminal, and through Hamriyah Port in the Hamriyah Free Zone to the north. Port Khalid suits containers bound for Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, while Hamriyah handles heavier industrial and liquid cargo. Khor Fakkan, on the UAE's east coast, is Sharjah's third port and takes larger container ships. We book space, arrange customs clearance, trucking and documents, and plan dangerous goods and breakbulk moves through all three.
Sharjah port shipping at a glance
| Item | Port Khalid (Sharjah Container Terminal) | Hamriyah Port | Khor Fakkan Container Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah city, west coast | Hamriyah Free Zone, about 20 km northeast of Sharjah city | East coast of the UAE |
| UN/LOCODE | AESHJ | AEHAM | Check on your booking |
| Terminal operator | Gulftainer | Inside Hamriyah Free Zone | Gulftainer |
| Container terminal opened | 1976 | Not published by operator | Not published on operator page |
| Berths | 4 container berths | Not published by operator | 6 |
| Quay length | 740 m | Not published by operator | 1,880 m |
| Depth / draft | 12.5 m maximum draft at berth | 14 m deep-water port, 7 m inner harbour | 16 m maximum draft at berth |
| Area | 18 ha terminal | Free zone with 30 million sq m of industrial land | 70 ha terminal |
| Capacity | 690,000 TEU yard capacity | Not published by operator | 5,000,000 TEU |
| Customs centre | Main gate, inspection 24/7 | Open daily, 08:00 to 20:00 | Inspection 24/7 at the Khorfakkan centre |
| Best for | FCL and LCL containers, reefers | Heavy equipment, oil and gas products, general cargo | Mainline container ships, breakbulk |
Which Sharjah port should you use?
Pick the port by cargo type and final delivery point. This is the rule we start from before we check carrier schedules:
| Your cargo | Usual first choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| FCL for a consignee in Sharjah, Ajman or the Northern Emirates | Port Khalid | City terminal with on-site customs and a short truck run |
| LCL and small consignments | Port Khalid | The terminal runs LCL handling and a container freight station |
| Chilled or frozen cargo | Port Khalid or Khor Fakkan | Both terminals handle reefer containers |
| Cargo for a plant in Hamriyah Free Zone | Hamriyah Port | Cargo lands inside the zone, so you avoid a cross-city truck move |
| Heavy equipment and machinery | Hamriyah Port or Khor Fakkan | Hamriyah customs lists heavy equipment; Khor Fakkan lists breakbulk handling |
| Oil lubricants and gas products | Hamriyah Port | Listed by Sharjah Customs among the cargo cleared there |
| Cargo on a large mainline vessel | Khor Fakkan | 16 m draft at berth and a 1,880 m quay |
| Dangerous goods in Class 1 or Class 7 | Any, only with government permission | Both Gulftainer terminals require permission and direct delivery |
What does Khalid port handle?
Port Khalid, also called Mina Khalid, is Sharjah's city port. Its container terminal began operating in 1976. Gulftainer describes it as the UAE's first container terminal. In November 2023 the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority and Gulftainer extended their concession agreements for the Sharjah and Khorfakkan container terminals by a further 35 years.
Terminal facilities and equipment
- 4 berths along a 740 m quay
- An 18 ha site with a 180,000 sq m container stacking area
- Yard capacity of 690,000 TEU
- Two post-Panamax quay cranes and two mobile harbour cranes
- LCL handling and a container freight station
- Warehousing, customs clearance and EDI on site
- A weighbridge for verified gross mass
- Container maintenance and repair, and inland transport
Vessel access and marine data
| Item | Port Khalid (SCT) | Khor Fakkan (KCT) |
|---|---|---|
| Approach channel | 200 m wide at the breakwater, dredged to 12.5 m | 700 m wide, 16 m deep |
| Turning basin | 800 m | 700 m |
| Draft in and out | 12.5 m at high tide, 11.5 m at low tide | Vessel draft plus 10% under-keel clearance required |
| Tidal range | 1.7 m | 2.5 m |
| Pilot station to berth | 4.5 nautical miles | 4 nautical miles |
In practice, Port Khalid's draft suits feeder and regional ships. If your carrier routes via a larger mainline vessel, the box will often move through Khor Fakkan or another hub and reach Sharjah by feeder or truck.
Working hours and gate times
The Sharjah Container Terminal works 24 hours a day, every day except holidays. Normal shifts run 06:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 22:00, Sunday to Friday. Saturday hours are 08:00 to 18:00 unless the terminal says otherwise, and hours are shorter during Ramadan. Gate moves from 22:00 to 06:00 on Sunday to Friday, and on Saturdays, carry an overtime charge of AED 26 per container move under the terminal's published tariff at the time of review. We plan collections inside normal shifts where we can, so you do not pay overtime by accident.
Gulftainer publishes a schedule of charges and tariffs for the terminal, effective 1 September 2026, along with standard terms and conditions for its inland transport. When we quote local charges at Port Khalid, we check them against that schedule. For vessel and commercial questions, the terminal's commercial desk is on +971 6 512 8888.
Hamriyah port: free zone, liquids and heavy cargo
Hamriyah Port sits inside the Hamriyah Free Zone, about 20 km northeast of Sharjah city. The free zone was set up in 1995 by Emiri decree and offers 30 million sq m of industrial land. The free zone authority lists a 14 m deep-water port and a 7 m inner harbour.
What Hamriyah Port handles
Sharjah Customs says its Hamriyah centre clears heavy equipment, containers, oil lubricants and gas products, general cargo and personal parcels. The centre is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, so plan inspections inside those hours. The free zone groups its businesses into oil and gas, food, industrial manufacturing, maritime industry and logistics sectors, which matches the cargo the port sees.
When Hamriyah makes more sense than Port Khalid
- Your consignee or factory is inside Hamriyah Free Zone.
- Your cargo is liquid, oil or gas related, or heavy industrial equipment.
- Your shipment needs deeper water than Port Khalid's 12.5 m draft.
Many results for "hamriyah port" mix it up with Mina Al Hamriya in Dubai. They are different ports in different emirates. Always check the UN/LOCODE on your booking and bill of lading before cargo sails.
Khor Fakkan: Sharjah's east-coast container port
Khor Fakkan Container Terminal is also run by Gulftainer. It has 6 berths, a 1,880 m quay, 16 m draft at berth, a 70 ha site with a 450,000 sq m container yard and 18 cranes, including 10 super-post-Panamax units. Its stated capacity is 5,000,000 TEU. Services include LCL handling, customs clearance, breakbulk handling and storage, and a direct link to the Sharjah inland container depot. Khor Fakkan keeps the same shift pattern as Port Khalid: 24-hour working, normal shifts 06:00 to 22:00 Sunday to Friday, Saturday 08:00 to 18:00, and the same AED 26 gate overtime per container move. Its dangerous goods rules are also the same. For other options on the same coast, see our Fujairah port shipping guide.
Container shipping through Sharjah: FCL, LCL and reefer
Most container cargo for Sharjah city moves through the Sharjah Container Terminal. Here is how each mode works there. If you are not sure which mode fits your volume, read our guide to FCL vs LCL shipping.
FCL exports from Port Khalid
- The line issues an empty release. The terminal needs a separate release message with quantity, size and type, shipper and trucking company. The driver shows the release letter at the counter.
- You stuff the container and we truck it back to the terminal.
- The terminal needs an acceptance letter and an export declaration before the vessel arrives. Without the declaration, the container is shut out of the load list.
- Every full export is weighed on receipt under IMO verified gross mass rules.
- After sailing, the line receives an operation completion report that lists any damage, seal or number exceptions.
FCL imports into Port Khalid
- The line sends the discharge list at least 24 hours before arrival, flagging hazardous, reefer and out-of-gauge units.
- We collect the delivery order once freight and local charges are settled.
- We file the import declaration and pay duty or a deposit.
- Customs inspects at the main gate centre if the box is selected.
- We book the truck, deliver, and return the empty to the line's depot before free time ends.
LCL through the container freight station
For LCL, your cargo moves in a shared container that is unpacked at the terminal's container freight station. You pay by volume or weight instead of a full box. Each consignment in the box is cleared on its own documents, so we check yours before the box sails.
Reefer cargo
Both Gulftainer terminals handle reefer containers. Carriers must state the set temperature on the discharge list or attach the manifest, and reefer cargo control lists apply where relevant. Give us the set point, ventilation and any pre-cooling needs at booking.
Shipping services and trade lanes
Gulftainer says Port Khalid has daily vessel services connecting global ports to Sharjah. Most of these are feeder and regional services. Cogoport's port-pair data for Port Khalid shows outbound lanes to ports such as Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Kolkata and Mombasa, and inbound lanes from Shanghai, Shenzhen and Kandla. For Hamriyah, the same data shows lanes with Indian ports such as Mundra, Hazira and Nhava Sheva. Services change often, so we confirm the current carrier, routing and any transshipment hub at booking. If a direct call does not exist, we compare a feeder to Port Khalid with a mainline call at another UAE port plus trucking.
Breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo in Sharjah
The Sharjah Container Terminal does not list breakbulk as a service. We route heavy and oversized cargo by type:
| Cargo | Route we usually plan | What we check first |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery that fits a flat rack or open top | Port Khalid as out-of-gauge container | Line acceptance; over-height and over-width declared on the discharge list |
| Heavy equipment for a free zone plant | Hamriyah Port | Berth, crane or ship's gear, and inspection slot at the Hamriyah customs centre |
| Loose breakbulk and steel | Khor Fakkan | Breakbulk storage space and onward trucking to the west coast |
| Project cargo with very heavy lifts | Decided per project | Vessel gear, berth strength, lifting plan, road permits and escorts |
For each project we confirm the vessel, berth and crane plan with the port before you commit. We then arrange the lifting plan, lashing survey, escort trucking and any road permits. Send drawings with weights and lifting points early. See our breakbulk and project cargo service for how we run these moves.
Can you ship dangerous goods through Sharjah port?
Yes, within the terminal's published IMCO restrictions. Gulftainer applies the same class rules at both the Sharjah and Khorfakkan container terminals:
| Class | Example | Terminal rule |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives, all UN numbers | Not accepted without government permission; direct delivery if permitted |
| Class 2.1 | Gas lighters and refills (UN 1057) | Direct delivery preferred, especially in summer; otherwise clear within 48 hours |
| Class 4.1 | Safety matches (UN 1944) | Direct delivery preferred, especially in summer; otherwise clear within 48 hours |
| Class 5.1 | Calcium hypochlorite (UN 1748, 2208, 2880) | Only in temperature-controlled containers, with prior permission |
| Class 7 | Radioactive material, all UN numbers | Not accepted without government permission; direct delivery if permitted |
| Class 8 | Hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) | Highest packaging standard; direct delivery preferred, or clear within 48 hours |
Missing the 48-hour clearance window brings severe penalties, according to the terminal. The carrier must also list hazardous units at least 24 hours before arrival.
Our DG planning for Sharjah:
- We check your safety data sheet, class, UN number and packing group.
- We confirm the carrier accepts the cargo on that vessel.
- For Class 1 or Class 7, we start the government permission process before booking.
- We arrange direct delivery or a truck on standby, so the box does not sit in the yard.
See our dangerous goods shipping service for DG by sea and air.
Customs clearance at Sharjah ports
Sharjah Customs runs a separate customs centre at each port. Your declaration is cleared at the centre for the port where cargo lands. Sharjah Customs also offers e-clearance, so we file most declarations online and only attend for inspection.
| Customs centre | Location | Hours | What it handles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Khalid | Main gate of the port | Inspection 24/7; other sections Monday to Thursday, 07:30 to 15:30 | Inspection of goods and containers, passenger control |
| Hamriyah | Hamriyah Port and Free Zone | Daily, 08:00 to 20:00 | Heavy equipment, containers, oil lubricants and gas products, general cargo, personal parcels |
| Khorfakkan | Port of Khorfakkan | Inspection 24/7; other sections Monday to Thursday, 07:30 to 15:30 | Mainly containers, plus general cargo |
Contacts listed by Sharjah Customs: Port Khalid centre +971 6 5281488 (portkhalid@sharjahcustoms.gov.ae) and Khorfakkan centre +971 9 2371222 (kfncustoms@sharjahcustoms.gov.ae).
Import duty and deposits
- Goods that are not exempt pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value.
- If key documents are missing at clearance, customs asks for an AED 1,000 deposit until you produce them.
- Duty-exempt goods carry an AED 80 fee when the bill is issued.
What makes up your landed cost
Freight is only one line. Budget for these too:
- Customs duty on the CIF value
- VAT, where it applies, at the UAE standard rate of 5%
- Terminal handling and delivery order charges
- Storage if cargo stays past free time
- Gate overtime for moves outside normal shifts
- Trucking to your site and empty return
- Container demurrage and detention if the box is held; see demurrage and detention explained
Documents for Sharjah port shipping
Sharjah Customs lists the core documents for each direction. Other documents depend on what you ship:
| Shipment | Documents Sharjah Customs lists | What we also check |
|---|---|---|
| Import, general cargo | Delivery order, packing list, original invoice, attested original certificate of origin, bill of lading, duty or deposit receipt, inspection report | HS code and consignee name match the trade licence |
| Export | Invoice, export declaration | Declaration filed before the vessel arrives; VGM for full boxes |
| Dangerous goods | As above | Safety data sheet, DG declaration, class and UN number, any government permission |
| Reefer and food | As above | Set temperature on the discharge list; any permits the relevant authority requires for your product |
| Heavy and out-of-gauge cargo | As above | Drawings, weights, lifting points, road permits |
Terminal deadlines that affect your cargo
| When | What must happen | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| 72, 48 and 24 hours before arrival | Vessel's arrival time and draft confirmed to the terminal | Shipping line or its agent |
| At least 24 hours before arrival | Stowage plan, hazardous, reefer and out-of-gauge lists, discharge and load lists | Shipping line or its agent |
| Before vessel arrival | Export declaration for every full export container, or the box is shut out | Exporter's customs broker (we do this for you) |
| On receipt at the gate | Full export container weighed under IMO VGM rules | Terminal weighbridge |
| Within 48 hours of discharge | Clearance of Class 2.1, 4.1 and 8 containers not taken on direct delivery | Importer's customs broker (we do this for you) |
How we move your cargo through Sharjah, step by step
- You send us the commodity, HS code, weight, dimensions, Incoterm and any DG data. We confirm which Sharjah port fits.
- We book space with the carrier and confirm the vessel, cut-off and free time.
- We prepare or check the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading instructions.
- We file the export or import declaration with Sharjah Customs before the terminal deadline.
- We collect from your site or deliver from the port, including heavy and escorted loads.
- On arrival we collect the delivery order, settle duties and book the gate slot inside normal shifts.
- We send you updates until the cargo is delivered and the empty is returned.
What to send us for a Sharjah quote
- Origin and delivery address, and which Sharjah port you prefer if any
- FCL, LCL, breakbulk or reefer
- Commodity description and HS code
- Gross weight, volume and dimensions per piece
- Cargo ready date and Incoterm
- If you also need customs clearance and trucking
- Safety data sheet for DG, set temperature for reefer, drawings for heavy lifts
- Consignee details that match the trade licence
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing the export declaration late. The container is shut out and rolls to the next vessel.
- Booking the wrong port. A factory in Hamriyah Free Zone pays extra trucking if the cargo lands across the city.
- Mixing up Hamriyah in Sharjah with Mina Al Hamriya in Dubai on the booking.
- Leaving Class 1 or Class 7 cargo to the last minute. Neither is accepted without government permission, so plan weeks ahead.
- Sending copies instead of originals. An unattested certificate of origin can mean a deposit and a delay.
- Leaving DG containers in the yard. Some classes must be cleared within 48 hours or face penalties.
- Booking night or Saturday gate moves without need, and paying overtime per container move.
Sharjah vs other UAE ports: when to choose which
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Short trucking to Sharjah, Ajman or the Northern Emirates | Port Khalid or Hamriyah |
| Deep water on the east coast | Khor Fakkan, or our Fujairah port guide |
| Delivery in Dubai | Our Jebel Ali port shipping guide |
| Delivery in Abu Dhabi | Our Khalifa Port Abu Dhabi guide |
| Delivery in Ras Al Khaimah | Our Saqr Port guide |
If you are weighing Sharjah against Dubai's main port on cost and time, read our Jebel Ali vs Sharjah port comparison. For cargo moving across the wider UAE, our Dubai freight forwarding team covers all the main ports.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the main port in Sharjah?
Port Khalid in Sharjah city is the main port for containers. Gulftainer operates its Sharjah Container Terminal, which has 4 berths and a 740 m quay.
What is the difference between Port Khalid and Hamriyah Port?
Port Khalid is the city container port. Hamriyah Port sits in the Hamriyah Free Zone about 20 km northeast of the city and handles heavy equipment, oil and gas products and general cargo.
How deep is Port Khalid?
Gulftainer gives a maximum draft at berth of 12.5 m at the Sharjah Container Terminal. The approach channel is dredged to 12.5 m.
How deep is Hamriyah Port?
The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority lists a 14 m deep-water port and a 7 m inner harbour.
Who operates Port Khalid?
Gulftainer operates the Sharjah Container Terminal at Port Khalid under a concession from the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. The concession was extended by 35 years in November 2023.
Can I ship dangerous goods through Sharjah port?
Yes, within the terminal's IMCO rules. Class 1 and Class 7 need government permission and direct delivery, and some other classes must be cleared within 48 hours.
Does Port Khalid handle LCL cargo?
Yes. The Sharjah Container Terminal offers LCL handling, a container freight station and warehousing.
Is Khor Fakkan part of Sharjah's ports?
Yes. Khor Fakkan is Sharjah's east-coast port, and Gulftainer runs its container terminal with 6 berths and a 16 m draft at berth.
What documents do I need to import through Sharjah?
Sharjah Customs lists a delivery order, packing list, original invoice, attested certificate of origin, bill of lading, duty receipt and inspection report.
How much is customs duty at Sharjah port?
Sharjah Customs charges 5% duty on the CIF value of goods that are not exempt. VAT may also apply at the UAE standard rate of 5%.
Get a quote for Sharjah port shipping
Tell us your cargo, origin and Sharjah delivery point, and we will plan the port, documents and trucking. Request a freight rate or talk to our team by email at info@anildarya.co or on +971 50 953 2080.
Sources
- Gulftainer: Sharjah Container Terminal
- Gulftainer: Khorfakkan Container Terminal
- Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority: concession extension with Gulftainer (21 November 2023)
- Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: Infrastructure and facilities
- Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
- Sharjah Customs: Port Khalid Customs Centre
- Sharjah Customs: Hamriyah Customs Centre
- Sharjah Customs: customs centres list
- Sharjah Customs: Import procedures
- Sharjah Customs: Export procedures
- Sharjah Customs: Khorfakkan Customs Centre
- Cogoport: Sharjah (Khalid) AESHJ port data
- Cogoport: Hamriya AEHAM port data
- UAE Federal Tax Authority: VAT
Reviewed: 9 November 2026