Egypt’s PM inaugurates grain terminal at WPS port

Egypt’s Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly inaugurated a new 100,000-ton grain dry bulk terminal at West Port Said Port (WPS port). The unloading capacity of the new facility reaches 1,200 tons per hour, and a total investment of EGP 1 billion.

Sherif Farouk, minister of supply, stated that the new terminal is a valuable addition to the country’s grain silo network, increasing the total number of wheat silos at ports to six. This brings the total storage capacity at ports to 530,000 tons, with an annual handling capacity of 6.4 million tons, as per a Cabinet statement.

He highlighted Egypt’s strategic location and seaports as an opportunity to improve grain reception and storage, reducing maritime transport costs and benefiting the state budget while enhancing food security, particularly for wheat imports.

He outlined the project’s key strategic objectives, which include increasing the country’s ability to handle imported grains, facilitating manoeuvrability between ports, expediting unloading operations, enhancing transport efficiency, and maximising infrastructure use while boosting inter-trade.

Waleid Gamal El-Dien, chairman of the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), stated that the project serves as a model of integrated logistics and food services within Egyptian ports.

He noted that the terminal represents a significant advancement in WPS port’s ability to enhance food security. The advanced storage facilities and efficient handling operations strengthen the port’s role as a key hub for grain trade.

The project targets the reception of large ships exceeding 65,000 tonnes in capacity, with an expected annual throughput of 23 to 36 vessels. It is also expected to create 275 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama