logo blue
logo blue

Sharjah Container Terminal

United Arab Emirates first container terminal in the heart of Sharjah

Sharjah Container Terminal was established in 1976 and holds the distinction of being the United Arab Emirates first container terminal. It is strategically located in the heart of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates third-largest emirate.
Throughout its history, Gulftainer has continuously enhanced the port’s capabilities, delivering exemplary efficiency and productivity in service of Sharjah and neighbouring emirates. The terminal serves as an ideal gateway for import and export cargo, with extensive connections spanning the Gulf, Asia, Europe, Americas and Africa.

Sharjah Container Terminal provides United Arab Emirates shippers access to global markets through both direct and feeder container shipping services, leveraging its prime location at the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

 
The terminal’s comprehensive infrastructure features four berths equipped with state-of-the-art container handling equipment, including post-Panamax quay cranes and mobile harbour cranes, ensuring efficient vessel operations and swift turnaround times.
The terminal’s 18-hectare facility features an expansive container yard with a capacity of 690,000 TEUs, supported by advanced terminal operating systems and experienced personnel. This powerful combination of strategic location, modern equipment, and operational expertise has established Sharjah Container Terminal as a crucial link in the United Arab Emirates maritime infrastructure, supporting both regional trade and international shipping networks.

Information

Berths:
4
Draft (m)
12.5
Area (ha)
18
Quay Length (m)
740
Quay Cranes
4
Capacity (TEU)
690,000
Sharjah Container Terminal

TERMINAL SERVICES

Information

Approach Channel (Width / Depth)
200m at Breakwater, dredged to 12.5m
Turning Basin width (Turning Circle)
800m
Maximum Draft at berth / Port Restrictions
12.5m
Maximum Inbound Draft :
(1) @ High Tide
(2) @ Low Tide
(1) 12.5m
(2) 11.5m
Maximum Outbound Draft :
(1) @ High Tide
(2) @ Low Tide
(1) 12.5m
(2) 11.5m
Tidal Range
1.7 m
Distance Pilot to Berth (NM)
4.5 Nautical Miles
Total Quay Length
740m
Number of Berths
4
Surface of Container Yard stacking area
180,000 m2
Total Number of Cranes
4 - 336m LOA / Panamax
Total Number of Cranes 
(Post-Panamax / Super-Post Panamax)
2 x QC Post-Panamax
2 x MHC

Services available at Sharjah Container Terminal include

Daily vessel services connecting global ports to Sharjah
Less than Container Load (LCL) handling facilities
Customs Clearance
EDI facilities
Container Freight Station
Warehousing
Weighing Bridge
Container Maintenance and Repair
Inland Transportation

OPERATIONS

Working Hours

The Terminal operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except for holidays.

Normal working hours are from Sunday to Friday (excluding public holidays) in two shifts from 06:00 hours to 14:00 hours and from 14:00 hours to 22:00 hours. Hours are reduced during the Holy Month of Ramadan in accordance with local customs. Activities outside normal working hours incur overtime charges. Vessel operation overtime rates are available upon request. For gate movements (container receipts and dispatch), overtime rates will be:

From 22:00 hours to 06:00 hours Sunday to Friday will be at the rate of Dhs.26.00 per container move.

Saturday’s working hours will be from 08:00 hours to 18:00 hours unless otherwise notified and the overtime will be at the rate of Dhs.26.00 per container move.

Any requirement after 18:00 hours can be arranged upon request subject to overtime rate which can be provided on application.

Working hours and rate of overtime on Public Holidays will be notified as and when applicable.

General

Expected time and date of arrival of your vessel to be advised to Terminal Manager, Harbour Master and Control Room well in advance and to be confirmed 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to arrival with draft and any special berthing requirements.

Agent to provide the following documents a minimum of 24 hours prior to vessel's arrival:

  • Vessel particulars (once)
  • Legible Discharge/Load stowage plan and profile
  • Baplie / EDI
  • Hazardous Cargo list, Reefer Cargo Control List, OOG Cargo etc when applicable.
  • Discharge/Load lists
Following details to be included in the vessel particulars:
  • Vessel Name
  • Service
  • Flag
  • Official Code and IMO number
  • Call sign
  • LOA/Width and draft
  • TEU capacity and reefer plug availability
  • Number of Hatch lids and configuration
  • Stack weight
  • Under deck clearance
  • Number of ship cranes and positions (if any)
  • Vessel name and voyage number
  • Container Number
  • Size and Type (if reefer - please provide set temperature or copy of manifest)
  • Gross weight
  • Port of Loading
  • Port of Discharge (via port)
  • Final Destination
  • Status - Show as follows: -
    a. FCL - Container local delivery
    b. LCL - Consolidated cargo for unpacking at CFS and provide LCL manifest to CFS Dept.
    c. T/S - Transshipment
    d. MT - Empty containers
  • Transshipment Load Voyage (as applicable)
  • Details required for the IMCO cargo
  • IMCO Class No. and UN Code
  • No. and supply a copy of the manifest)
  • Highlight if cargo is over height or over width
  • Name of the vessel to be loaded
  • Container Number
  • Size and Type
  • Full or Empty
  • Gross Weight
  • Destination
  • Details required for the IMCO cargo
  • IMCO Class No. and UN Code
  • No. and supply a copy of the manifest
  • Highlight if cargo is over height or over width
  • Export declaration or Transit Bill of Entry for full containers must be received at KCT / SICD prior to vessel arrival and please note that failure to submit the Customs Documentation would result in shut out of the container from load list.
A separate message is required to release empty for export collection stating the quantity, size and type, shippers name, Transport Company etc are to be mentioned. Driver has to produce the copy of your release letter at release counter for identification.
An acceptance letter required which should contain Container Number, Size/Type, Gross Weight, Destination, if IMCO cargo, IMCO class and UN Code Number, Name of the vessel to be loaded etc. Export Declaration must be submitted at the Terminal office prior to vessel arrival. We have a Weigh bridge facility on site and all full exports must be weighed on receipt as per IMO VGM regulations.
which will have
  • Summary of containers discharged on your account
  • Summary of containers loaded on your account
  • Any exceptions noted on discharge of your containers - such as discrepancy in containers numbers, any damages noticed, container with out seal etc.
Terminal Operating System (TOS) access is available upon request and includes features such as live container enquiry and container reports. If you require access, please liaise with our Commercial Department for account registration.

Safety and Security

IMCO Restriction

IMCO Class UN No. Cargo Remarks
1 All EXPLOSIVES  Example: Arms, Ammunitions, Fireworks, Blasting explosives etc. Will not be accepted without permission from concerned Govt. Authorities. Direct delivery mandatory if permission received.
2.1


4.1		 1057


1944		 Gas Lighters, Refills for Gas Lighters etc

Safety Matches		 Strictly on the basis of DIRECT DELIVERY during Summer and thereafter, prefer direct delivery or must be cleared with in 48 hours. Failure to clear the container with in 48 hours would result in imposing severe penalties.
5.1 1748
2208
2880		 Calcium Hypochlorite Acceptable in temperature controlled containers (reefers) but prior permission must be taken
7 All Radioactive Substances Will not be accepted with out permission from concerned Govt. Authorities. Direct delivery mandatory if permission received.
8 1789 Hydrochloric Packaging should be of highest standard. Prefer direct delivery or must be cleared with in 48 hours

Downloads

  • July 17, 2025

Standard terms and conditions

  • July 17, 2025

Terminal schedule of charges and tariffs

Sharjah Container Terminal, UAE
  • June 18, 2025

Sharjah container terminal brochure

FAQs

What documentation is required before vessel arrival?
Agents must provide several documents 24 hours prior to vessel arrival, including vessel particulars, discharge/load stowage plans, Baplie/EDI, hazardous cargo lists, and discharge/load lists. The vessel’s expected arrival time must be confirmed 72, 48, and 24 hours before arrival.
A separate release message is required for empty container collection, which must include quantity, size and type, shipper’s name, and transport company details. Drivers must present a copy of the release letter at the release counter for identification.
An acceptance letter is required containing container details (number, size/type, gross weight, destination, IMCO details if applicable). Export Declaration must be submitted prior to vessel arrival, and all full exports must be weighed on the terminal’s Weigh Bridge facility as per IMO VGM regulations.
Different IMCO classes have specific handling requirements. For example, Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive substances) require government authority permission and direct delivery. Some materials like Calcium Hypochlorite are only acceptable in temperature-controlled containers with prior permission.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

As an esteemed client of Gulftainer, we value your opinion.
Feedback Form
footer-logo

About us

Solutions

Contact us

© 2025 Gulftainer  |   All rights reserved.
Policies & Certifications  |  Terms of Use   |   Disclaimer  |  Site Map
  • +971 6 512 8888 
  • commercial@gulftainer.com
  • Gulftainer, Buhaira Corniche, SARH AL EMARAT, 43rd Floor, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates