These transport links provide easy access between the hinterlands and the port. Compared to Assab, which is served only by road, the port of Djibouti appears much more ideal and favorable for the expeditious movement of goods. In terms of facilities the port of Djibouti provides berthing spaces for fifteen ships at a time and can accommodate ships with 12 meters draft. Moreover, Djibouti can handle ships with overall length of up to 290 meters while Assab is limited to 200 meters. This means that Djibouti is better equipped to handle the modern, larger capacity ships than Assab.
Customers thus can get better and improved services via Djibouti.
Furthermore, the deeper draft at Djibouti makes it possible for big ships to call direct at the port. This creates advantage for importers of massive shipments like fertilizer and grain. They have the option to make big orders in a one-lot shipment, and can enjoy scale economies as they get cheaper freight rate on large size ships. Eventually, this could be reflected in the reduced price of such goods, which will benefit the end user. Containerization has become common place in the international transport of goods.