Eritrean Press
Maritime Majesty: Eritrea's Ports and the Quest for Red Sea Domination
EP: Okay, let's get cocky! ይሄንን ኣንተረጉምም
(EP) - Ah, Eritrea, clearly living the high life on the Red Sea with its “excessive” port situation! Not content with just one or even two perfectly positioned ports, there’s already talk of adding a third to accommodate the world-class Colluli potash mine. Some might call that ambitious - others might call it, well, “greedy.”
Eritrea clearly isn’t content with just two ports, because why stop at “adequate” when you can aim for “over-the-top”? The third port, still in the feasibility stage, seems to be the next shiny addition to Eritrea’s maritime collection. And yes, the Colluli potash mine might just be the star of this show.
The Colluli mine, located in the Danakil Depression, is a treasure trove of sulphate of potash (SOP), a premium fertilizer. With reserves estimated at 1.1 billion tonnes, it’s practically screaming for a dedicated export route. After all, why let your potash travel through existing ports when you can build a whole new one? Efficiency, who?
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. A third port could also serve as a statement - because nothing says “regional powerhouse” like a surplus of ports. It’s almost as if Eritrea is saying, “Look at us, we’re not just a country; we’re a maritime empire in the making!”
Let’s break down the details of Massawa Port for you. Flaunting its six berths, the port boasts the most significant stretch, a casual 208.6 meters, and naturally plunges 12 meters deep. Logically, it’s equipped with a computerised container terminal management system because why not? And, of course, it can store a modest 150,000 metric tons.
But wait, there’s more. Enter Assab Port, boasting not six but seven deep-sea berths, the deepest of which measures an impressive 10.97 meters. Oh, and its storage capacity? A comfortable 385,930 metric tons. Just your average, overachieving port.
Spoiled with such maritime assets, Eritrea seems poised to dominate trade in the region in the future - though, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. After all, the Red Sea isn’t going anywhere.
Why stop at three when you can dream even bigger? Some Eritreans are apparently saying, “What about a fourth port up north in Qarora? Why should the southern and central regions have all the fun?” And honestly, who could blame them? A port in every corner - it’s practically a maritime makeover!
Qarora, nestled at the northern tip of Eritrea, would be perfect for yet another deep-sea extravaganza. Never mind the logistical or financial hurdles, because ambition knows no bounds! After all, why settle for being spoiled when you can aim for outright indulgence? A fourth port could really round out Eritrea’s collection and cement its place as the ultimate Red Sea port connoisseur.
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