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Aqaba Container Terminal
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The Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) is Jordan's primary gateway to global trade and the country's only container port facility on the Red Sea. Operated as a joint venture between the Aqaba Development Corporation and APM Terminals, it has evolved into one of the most efficient terminals in the Levant region. Strategically positioned on the Gulf of Aqaba, the terminal serves the domestic market while acting as a crucial transit hub for cargo destined for Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Since its privatization in 2004, massive infrastructure investments have been made, including quay extensions and the installation of state-of-the-art gantry cranes. ACT prioritizes sustainability and digitalization to minimize turnaround times and enhance operational safety. With an annual capacity exceeding 1.2 million TEUs, the port is a cornerstone of Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision.
- Location: Jordan
- Nearby: Aqaba (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Aqaba Container Terminal is one of the most important ports on the Red Sea, connecting Jordan to global trade routes. As a modern container terminal, it plays a crucial role in the country's import-export and regional transit traffic.
Visiting
The terminal is a secured port area and not open to the public, but can be well viewed from outside. From the port boulevard in Aqaba, you can see the container cranes and the loading and unloading of ships.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the waterfront promenade south of the terminal, offering a direct view of the quays. The rooftops of nearby hotels along the coast also provide a wide panorama over the port.
Local products
In the souks of Aqaba, visitors find imported goods from around the world brought in through the terminal, including electronics and household items. Local products such as Dead Sea cosmetics and Jordanian sweets are also available in shops near the port.
Active season
The container terminal operates year-round, with cargo shipping peaking during the winter months from October to April. This period is the main season for Red Sea trade, as temperatures are more pleasant.
Nearby
A visit to the terminal can be ideally combined with a diving trip to the Red Sea coral reefs. The historic Aqaba Fort and the Archaeological Museum are also just a short walk away.
Geography
Facts
- The only container terminal in Jordan, located on the Red Sea coast.
- A joint venture between the government (ADC) and APM Terminals.
- Handles over 1.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
- The terminal quay length was extended to 1,000 meters in 2013.
- Primary logistics hub for goods transiting to landlocked parts of Iraq.
- Consistently ranked among the top terminals in the Middle East for efficiency.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Aqaba Container Terminal?
Jordan's only maritime gateway for international container traffic on the Red Sea.
Can tourists visit the terminal?
Access is strictly regulated, but ships can be seen from the coast.
Why is it important for the region?
It is a central logistics hub for Jordan and neighboring countries like Iraq.
What is the capacity of the terminal?
It handles over one million standard containers (TEU) annually.
What is located nearby?
The city of Aqaba with its resorts and diving spots is just a few kilometers north.
Aqaba Container Terminal: where is it located?
Aqaba Container Terminal is located in Jordan.
Aqaba Container Terminal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Aqaba Container Terminal: why is it worth visiting?
The Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) is Jordan's primary gateway to global trade and the country's only container port facility on the Red Sea.
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