East Port Said Port expansions to begin trial runs in April: APM Terminals

East Port Said Port is poised to significantly enhance its capacity, with trial operations for its expanded facilities set to begin in April 2025, said Keld Christensen, Managing Director of APM Terminals’ Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT).

SCCT is a joint venture with APM Terminals being the majority shareholder (55 per cent) and operator. Other key shareholders are COSCO (20 per cent), the Suez Canal Authority (10.3 per cent), Egyptian private sector (9.7 per cent) and the National Bank of Egypt (5 per cent).

Christensen made his remarks during his meeting with Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), at the authority’s headquarters.

State-of-the-Art Expansions

The expansion project, which includes a 955-metre extension of the terminal, will boost container handling capacity from 5 million to 7 million TEUs annually. Construction is complete, and new equipment, including eight giant quay cranes with four more expected by April, bringing the total to 30.

The latest expansion marks a significant step towards enhancing Egypt’s status as a global trade hub, said Christensen stated. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the SCA and Maersk Group, a longstanding partner in advancing trade and logistics.

Rabie expressed the SCA’s unwavering commitment to supporting the terminal’s development and overcoming any challenges to elevate its global ranking. He commended the project’s incorporation of advanced technologies, extensive infrastructure upgrades, and continuous workforce training, aligning perfectly with the government’s strategy to strengthen Egypt’s logistics sector.

Furthermore, Rabie emphasised the importance of operational collaboration between Maersk Group and Germany’s HAPAG-LLOYD to enhance regional trade networks, particularly in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb regions. Christensen reaffirmed the terminal’s dedication to aligning with the SCA’s vision, recognising the canal as a vital partner in achieving the company’s ambitious goals.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser

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