Egypt’s Damietta Port upgrade underway
Egypt’s Ministry of Transport announced that Damietta Port’s Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal is being upgraded with new advanced cranes, while Damietta Alliance oversees the superstructure construction.
The terminal has received the first batch of giant quay cranes that consists of five cranes from Chinese company HHMC, with a total order of 12 cranes to be delivered in phases. These advanced cranes will enhance container handling efficiency and speed.
These advanced giant cranes are equipped with cutting-edge technology to handle large ships with high lifting capacities, making them ideal for heavy container weights, according to a statement by the Cabinet.
The crane can lift up to 75 tons and reach heights of 57.5 metres from the dock surface, making it suitable for handling large ships with heights of up to 11 containers. Its outer arm is 72 meters long, allowing it to handle the widest ships.
The crane has advanced safety features like sensors, cameras, and protection systems for safe operations. It integrates with digital systems for real-time tracking and improved coordination. These capabilities enhance the port’s efficiency in handling larger container ships, reducing operation time and improving logistical efficiency.
In addition to the quay cranes, 20 electric Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes have been delivered to the container handling yards at the station, with a total of 40 RTG cranes set to be gradually brought in.
These electric yard cranes are part of the Container Station project Tahya Masr 1, which is focused on using environmentally friendly equipment to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with Egypt’s sustainable development goals by 2030.
The Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal at Damietta Port has 1,970 metres of quay length, 18-metre depths, and a one million square metre back area. Once fully operational, it will have a handling capacity of 3.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).
The project is a partnership with global operator Damietta Alliance, a consortium comprising Eurogate Germany, Contship Italia Group, and the global shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, the statement mentioned.
This project supports the Ministry’s strategy to attract international shipping lines to invest in Egyptian ports. It is also part of the Ministry of Transport’s integrated logistics corridor connecting Tanta, Mansoura, and Damietta.
This corridor includes the Tanta logistics zone, the Tanta-Mansoura-Damietta railway line, the dry port in New Damietta, and Damietta Port. It aligns with Egypt’s goal of becoming a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama
