ER Prefix and Three-Letter Code
Eritrea uses the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 prefix ER. A UN/LOCODE normally combines the country prefix with a three-character location identifier, such as ERMSW for Massawa.
Seaports in Eritrea: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Eritrea has 3 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, supporting Red Sea trade through a small but strategically located maritime network.
Review Eritrea port codes, cargo roles, regional coverage and indicative shipping routes for 2026.
Eritrea Port Overview
Eritrea has a limited port system on the Red Sea. Massawa is generally the principal commercial gateway, while Assab serves southern coastal and regional logistics requirements. The figures below distinguish Ecer Freight indexed coverage from official national statistics.
3
Eritrea ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
—
National maritime cargo volume, 2025; YoY not publicly reported
MOT 2025 public data review
—
Container throughput, 2025; YoY not publicly reported
Port and trade data review · 2025
—
Commercial berth total, 2025; YoY not publicly reported
MOT 2025 public data review
How many seaports does Eritrea have?
Eritrea has 3 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its Nov 2026 database snapshot.
What is Eritrea's main commercial port?
Massawa is generally regarded as Eritrea's principal commercial seaport and is indexed under UN/LOCODE ERMSW.
Which areas handle Eritrea's main maritime cargo?
The main maritime cargo areas are the Massawa area on the central Red Sea coast and the Assab area in the south; the indexed codes are ERMSW and ERASA.
Top Ports in Eritrea by Freight Relevance
This table ranks the three Eritrea records in the Ecer Freight sample by database activity order. Eritrea does not publish a consistently verifiable 2025 container league table for these records, so rank, throughput and year-on-year fields are left unreported rather than estimated.
Indexed port and terminal records · 2025 throughput fields where publicly verifiable
Eritrea Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Central Red Sea and Highlands Logistics
Massawa provides the principal sea access for central Eritrea, while Asmara is an inland logistics and commercial center connected to the coastal gateway.
Central Eritrea records
Southern Red Sea Coast
Assab is Eritrea's southern coastal gateway, with relevance to regional coastal trade and southern supply chains. Cargo availability and service frequency are subject to confirmation.
Southern Eritrea records
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assab | ERASA | Assab / — | Southern Red Sea cargo, regional supply and general freight |
Eritrea UN/LOCODE Port Codes
City-Level and Terminal-Level Records
A code may identify a city, port area, inland logistics point or a more specific terminal record. Shippers should confirm the operating facility, cargo type and carrier booking instructions before dispatch.
How to Verify a Code
Compare the code with the UNECE UN/LOCODE reference and then check the relevant listing in the Ecer Freight port directory.
Shipping from Eritrea: Main Trade Lanes
Eritrea's international sea freight is generally routed through Red Sea and wider Middle East, Asia, European and East African networks. Schedules, transshipment points and transit times are subject to carrier confirmation.
Eritrea to Middle East
Massawa and Assab cargo may connect with Gulf and Middle East hubs through feeder or transshipment services.
Eritrea to East Africa
Regional cargo can move along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor, usually with service availability confirmed case by case.
Eritrea to South Asia
South Asian cargo normally uses a hub connection across the Arabian Sea rather than a direct sailing from Eritrea.
Eritrea to Europe
European shipments generally require a Red Sea or Mediterranean transshipment connection and detailed carrier schedule checking.
Data Methodology and Sources
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 3 Eritrea port and terminal records, snapshot reviewed in Nov 2026.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE principles and location-code verification reference.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — maritime geographic and port reference material.
- Eritrea Ministry of Transport — official transport-sector context where publicly available.
- United Nations — international trade and maritime statistical context; national port figures may not be consistently published.
Eritrea Port FAQ
How many seaports does Eritrea have?
Eritrea has 3 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Nov 2026 database snapshot.
What is the largest or busiest port in Eritrea?
Massawa is generally the main commercial gateway in Eritrea and is identified by the UN/LOCODE ERMSW. Publicly comparable 2025 TEU data is not consistently available.
What are the main Eritrea port codes?
The indexed codes are ERASM for Asmara, ERMSW for Massawa and ERASA for Assab. Carrier and terminal instructions should be checked before shipment.
Which regions handle Eritrea sea freight?
The central Red Sea and southern Red Sea coast are the principal maritime areas. Massawa serves central Eritrea, while Assab serves southern coastal logistics.
How current are the Eritrea port figures?
The Ecer Freight indexed-port count is based on a Nov 2026 snapshot. Official throughput, berth and container statistics are shown only where a reliable recent public figure can be verified.
Are direct container services available from Eritrea?
Service availability varies by carrier, season and cargo type. Eritrea shipments may require transshipment through a Red Sea, Gulf or East African hub, so schedules should be confirmed before booking.
How can freight rates from Eritrea be requested?
FCL and LCL quotations can be requested through the relevant FCL rate search or LCL rate search, with origin, destination, cargo details and preferred port supplied for routing review.
This Eritrea port guide combines Ecer Freight's first-party port database with public maritime, geographic and trade references. Indexed coverage is reviewed with the database snapshot, while port activity, schedules and official statistics are subject to change and should be reconfirmed for each shipment.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Eritrea: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact