Assab (or Aseb) is a port in Eritrea on the west coast of the Red Sea. In 1989, it had a population of 39,600. Assab possesses an oil refinery supplying local markets and Ethiopia. Nearby is the site of the ancient city of Arsinoe founded by the Ptolemies.

In 1882 it was bought by the Rubattino Shipping Company and was later acquired by Italy and used as a coal station for shipping, with an oil refinery built by the Soviet Union. During the twentieth century it became Ethiopia's main port. During the civil war and famine of the 1980s, food aid was brought to Eritrea and the Ethiopian province of Tigray through Assab.

The port facilities were greatly expanded in the early 1990s, with the construction of the new terminal, but the port has declined since trade with Ethiopia was terminated in 1998 (see Eritrean-Ethiopian War). It is known for its large market, beaches and nightlife and is home to an airport.

See also

• Assab history and information

Cities in Eritrea | Coastal cities | Port cities

عصب (مدينة) | Assab | Assab | Assab | Baia di Assab